A group of consultants, architects and task force members responsible for putting together the new seniors housing concept pitched what they have come up with so far to an interested audience last Friday at the Pioneer Drop-In Centre.
Over pizza and refreshments, attendees could walk through a mock-up of the proposed one bedroom suite over a floor plan layed out in masking tape. A presentation and question and answer session followed, led by task force member Valerie Tradewell.
She explained to the audience that layouts and current designs are in flux and subject to both available monies and the wants and desires of the folks who plan to live there.
So far, Phase I includes an additional 45 suites in a separate-but-connected three story building to be constructed out of the west side of Vanderwell Heritage Place. It would more than double the capacity of the facility’s current 31 suites.
From the sound of it, there will be several trips back to the drawing board to revise the plan as designers work the budget and wish list into the scheme.
In 2006, the Lesser Slave Lake Regional Housing Authority applied for a grant of $8 million for construction; at the time building costs were estimated at $250 per square foot.
However, grant monies awarded amounted to $3.8 million, far short of the hoped-for number, while construction costs have jumped nearly 40 per cent, close to $350 per square foot.
So, as the planning wears on, costs rise and plans change.
Several folks voiced their concerns that the proposed suites appeared too small in the current configuration. The studio suites total 387 square feet and the one bedroom units come in at 452; increasing the unit size will no doubt squeeze the budget even further.
Consultant Rick Beaupre grew up in Kinuso and then Slave Lake. He left in 1980 but still works all over northern Alberta consulting on seniors housing for different communities. He assured the audience that their best interests are in mind throughout the process.
“Every element of the design phase, from choosing the architect to dealing with regional housing authorities - we recognize that municipalities are the stakeholders, and we must be above board,” said Beaupre.
He explained that the choice of designers, Barry Architecture, was a based on their experience as much as their genuine interest in the people and projects for whom they build. Barry Architecture, he says, has completed many similar seniors projects for communities all over Alberta. As consultant, Beaupre’s job is part mediator between the communities and the designers.
He covered some basic issues such as security and safety amenities; there will be two elevators in the new building in case of emergency, and security pendants are available for tenants.
Pendants can sound an alarm to staff in case of an emergency, and let them know the exact whereabouts of the alarm which is worn or carried by a tenant.
Perhaps the most important part of the meeting included questions put to the designer, Suzanne Veddeck of Barry Architecture.
Concerns were raised about room sizes, fitness areas, green spaces, parking, security and more.
Between Veddeck and Tradewell, most inquiries were answered or tabled for discussion.
Basically, the designers and taskforce members kept the promise of a flexible design and assured everyone that all concerns would be addressesd in time.
Throughout the meeting, the audience provided some comic relief.
In one half-serious complaint about room size, a woman asked, “What about space for your old man?”
The responder, also from the audience, answered back “We dont need to worry about that at this age!”
In the end, attendees were reminded that they are a big part of helping the project along.
Valerie Tradewell suggested a letter writing campaign to ministers, the premier, MLAs and others. The goal is to have the government part with the land west of the Phase I development, allowing the rest of the project to unfold. As it stands, only the first phase, connected to the existing facility, is a sure thing. Barring the purchase of the adjacent land, the planners will be scouting for other locations.
Above that, it sounds like with a bit more fundraising, a few more roundtable discussions and a handful of design revisions, another construction project will soon be started in Slave Lake.

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