Rimbey residents who want to see a new supportive living facility in Rimbey become reality are being asked to sign letters to be forwarded to the minister of municipal affairs.
Rimbey resident Hugh Bayne said he was given copies of letters by Viola Schneider and asked to circulate them at the Rimbey Drop In Centre.
The letter, addressed to Doug Griffiths, asks him to give serious consideration to the application for a new, much needed supportive living facility for seniors citizens.
“Our present lodge is in need of many upgrades, has several very small rooms and usually has a waiting list,” the letter states. “We see the old lodge as having potential to be used as low income housing, an Outreach school or as a habitat for humanity homes.”
The letter also stated Rimbey has a growing senior population and the need for a new facility is urgent.
“A new facility for the Town of Rimbey would certainly aid in the care and well being of the frail and elderly seniors in this community.”
Bayne, who signed the letter himself, said he is happy to encourage others to sign.
“I think it’s a good thing. We need to get the government to commit.”
Bayne said a stack of letters with individual signatures will receive more attention than one letter with multiple signatures.
Rimbey Rocky Mountain House Sundre MLA Joe Anglin said he is pleased the letters are being circulated.
“I talked to some people after church on Sunday and they wanted to know what they could do to help so I encouraged them to write letters,” he said.
Anglin said the more citizens lobby for the proposal, the better chance it will have of being successful.
“The goal is our seniors. All we care about is that our seniors have a decent place to live.”
Anglin stressed the decision doesn’t lie solely in the hands of Doug Griffiths, and Cabinet will make the final decision.
“Doug will be the giver of good news or the bearer of bad news,” he said.
Mayor Sheldon Ibbotson said he was pleased citizens were being proactive.
“Everybody agrees there is a need and it is always good when people advocate for the projects they support.”
Rimoka Housing is waiting for approval of a proposal now before the provincial government asking to go ahead with a multi-million dollar aging in place facility for Rimbey.