In a move that has left the Rimbey mayor, and, no doubt, the entire Rimoka Housing board, pleasantly surprised, the Provincial Government has announced their decision to increase funding for a new lodge in Rimbey by $2.66 million.
The increased funding brings the provincial contribution to $15.96 million, which is the entire cost of the project. The costs relating to furniture, fixture and equipment will remain the responsibility of Rimoka Housing Foundation.
“As part of this increased provincial investment, this facility will be fully funded and owned by the Alberta Social Housing Corporation. The costs relating to furniture, fixture and equipment will remain the responsibility of and will be owned in its entirety by the Housing Management Body,” said Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing in a letter to Paul McLauchlin, board chairman of Rimoka Housing Foundation.
Mayor Rick Pankiw said the announcement comes as good news.
“The net result will assist the Foundation in maintaining its solid financial footing for the foreseeable future and it gives us a lot more freedom to look at upgrading Legacy Place in Ponoka,” he said.
The funding is part of the Provincial Government’s capital plan which sees $582 million, under the Sustainable Housing Renewal – Rural and Urban initiative, for capital projects to provide access to safe, appropriate and affordable housing options for family and individuals within Alberta over the next five years.
Construction of the new lodge in Rimbey continues to progress well towards a September completion, said Pankiw.