May 9, 2014
Province Announces Phase Two of Riverton's Icelandic River Lodge Expansion
– – –Construction Creating More Affordable Supportive Housing for Seniors: Minister Bjornson
RIVERTON—Interlake seniors will have more access to affordable, supportive housing with the construction of Phase 2 of Riverton’s Icelandic River Lodge, Housing and Community Development Minister Peter Bjornson said here today.
“We are pleased to help create more housing options in the Interlake through the redevelopment of Riverton’s Icelandic Lodge,” said Minister Bjornson. “We are committed to helping Manitobans access safe, affordable housing to give them more opportunities to age in place in their own communities, closer to family and friends.”
“We are pleased to work with the province to create more quality, affordable housing and are looking forward to launching our plans for phase two,” said Mayor Colin Bjarnason, who is also president of the Riverton-Bifrost Community Development Corporation. “We are excited about the expansion of our supported housing community.”
Phase one of the project, supported with funding from the provincial government, was completed in January and involved construction of a new $5.8-million, 19-unit residential building, which now houses the residents of the former lodge. Phase two, beginning in the summer of 2014, will see the old building demolished and construction of a new residential wing, with a central hub, to accommodate common areas and other multi-purpose space.
Once phase two is complete, Icelandic River Lodge will provide 30 independent-living and nine supportive-housing units, in addition to a common kitchen and meeting space, the minister said. Rents have been set to accommodate low- to moderate-income seniors, with half the units offered on a rent-geared-to-income basis to enhance affordability, he added.
“The expansion of this Riverton landmark will benefit area seniors and their families, and also benefits the entire community by creating jobs through new construction,” said Minister Bjornson. “We are also taking our first steps toward a Budget 2014 promise for another 500 affordable and
500 social-housing units in the next three years.”
To address this new commitment, the province is focusing on development of housing options for seniors, families and vulnerable people.
Manitoba Housing and Community Development’s overall strategy complements Budget 2014, a plan to create good jobs, grow the economy and protect front-line services for families, Minister Bjornson said.
More information on Manitoba Housing and Community Development’s new three-year plan, part of the long-term strategy, Strong Communities - An Action Plan is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/housing/.
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