January 7, 2016
Manitoba Government Announces Construction Started on 20-unit Addition to Icelandic River Lodge
RIVERTON—Construction is now underway on an addition to Icelandic River Lodge, which will result in more affordable and supportive housing choices for seniors in the Interlake region, Premier Greg Selinger announced here today.
“Manitoba is committed to helping seniors find the right housing options, with the right supports, in a community that is familiar and welcoming,” said Premier Selinger. “We’re pleased to be part of this project and the significant investment it represents in the Interlake.”
The Manitoba government is providing nearly $8.7 million to support the new addition. It will feature 20 new housing units, including 11 independent living suites and nine supportive housing suites, as well as common areas that will be shared by all residents in the complex.
Tenants are expected to be low- to moderate-income seniors from the community of Riverton and surrounding areas. Individuals requiring additional services available through supportive housing will be referred by Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, which will also fund and provide a 24-hour companion program.
Once complete, the entire complex will be managed by Riverton Bifrost Holdings Inc. (RBH), a local non-profit organization with a mandate to increase housing options for seniors. RBH currently provides community-based property management at the existing Icelandic River Lodge property.
“The communities of Bifrost and Riverton are happy to see construction underway,” said Colin Bjarnason, chair, Riverton Bifrost Holdings Inc. “We look forward to the day we can open this project to the community and the people who have been waiting to call it home.”
The entire project cost is approximately $9.1 million, the premier said, adding construction is expected to be completed by the fall. The first phase of Icelandic River Lodge was completed in 2014 and features 19 independent living suites.
The affordable housing units at Icelandic River Lodge project are part of the Manitoba government’s fulfilled five-year commitment to create 1,500 affordable housing units. A three-year plan to create another 500 affordable and 500 social housing units is now underway, helping ensure the housing needs of more Manitobans are met, the premier said.
For more information about the Manitoba government’s commitment to affordable and supportive housing, visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
- 30 -