For the most part, the public’s reaction to a planned 80-room seniors’ housing complex in Rimbey has been positive.
The public, however, has not accepted the conceptual plans at face value and at meetings at Parkland Manor and the Peter Lougheed Community Centre, concerns were brought forward and addressed.
The project, slated to cost approximately $17 million, is designed for expansion and is expected to go to tender in November.
Several mechanisms are in place to keep costs on budget including a professional construction estimator. A project monitor established and a hard and soft cost contingency plan established.
Marie Williams who lives at Parkland Manor viewed the plans with interest.
“It is very interesting,” she said. “My concern is that there is a lot more demand than there is rooms.”
George Liivam, also a resident of the manor said the wet pond would be a breeding spot for mosquitoes.
However Wayne Rosenthal, also a resident disagreed.
“I have a friend living in a similar facility in Sherwood Park and they have a wet pond. They have no trouble with it at all.”
Doreen Glanfield, president of Rimbey Drop In Centre said she is a hundred per cent in favor of the facility.
“It sounds wonderful. I’m happy to see it’s going ahead. We need this in Rimbey.”
Neva Kowalzik also seemed pleased with the plans.
“We almost still need the manor though for the number of seniors up there.”
“It’s a nice looking facility and something we really need,” said Joyce Deal.
Irene Wegmann said she left the meeting with a good feeling.
“I felt all the questions were answered and the process being properly followed,” she said.