A resolution might be on the horizon due to a lack of assisted living units for seniors in the Energy City.
Estevan city council heard a presentation from Manitoba-based Bridge Road Developments at council’s meeting on May 9. Two representatives from Bridge Road, first vice-president Harry Funk and third vice-president Ken Penner, spoke to council about their company’s history and what they can bring to Estevan.
Funk and Penner are also founding partners of the company.
“The city called us and said that they were going to put an RFP (request for proposals) out,” Funk said in an interview with the Mercury. “I said we would send an information package, and if they felt it was something that they wanted to act on, then they could get back to us, which they did.”
Bridge Road was then asked to make a presentation to council.
“I think the need is self-evident,” said Funk. “I don’t know if the reality of the real estate situation right now would allow it to happen.”
Funk said Bridge Road is now waiting on direction from council and the community on whether they want an independent living or an assisted living facility, and what the building should include for amenities.
The plan calls for a three-storey, 57-unit building that Penner estimates would cost between $13 million and $15 million.
Mayor Roy Ludwig said the city would like to see an assisted living facility constructed, similar to what exists at Creighton Lodge, with Level 1 and 2 care, and a central kitchen. But many of the details have yet to be finalized.
Creighton Lodge currently has a long wait list, and many in the city believe another assisted living facility is needed.
“Let’s have another facility so our people who have lived their lives here in Estevan don’t have to move to the larger centres,” said Ludwig.
Ludwig predicted there will likely be an open house to discuss the project. Then there can be discussions, feedback and research to discuss what exactly is needed.
They are not looking for a building that would supplant the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home, which would provide Level 3 and 4 care.
Bridge Road has worked in the southeast previously. They were also involved with the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in Estevan, serving as the developer and the builder for the project, and as one of the owners.
They have also been involved with developments in Oxbow, Stoughton and Redvers.
In their presentation to council, Penner and Funk circulated blueprints for independent living and assisted living buildings and suites, along with the space for common areas and the services that will be provided.
Penner noted cities like Estevan have people who take pride in their community. Some of those citizens are nearing retirement age, or have parents who are retired and don’t want to leave the community.
“We know you have these people. They have been phoning us,” said Penner.
Local governments don’t have to spend money to bring such a facility to their community, but they can identify community-minded people and encourage them to invest in an assisted living building; identify the needs; and take the lead to petition the provincial government for help with providing services, and rent relief for those who need the services.
“Imagine a scenario where investors and local councils got together and worked for a common goal: to make this the best seniors’ community it can be,” Penner said.
Bridge Road would like to see investors bring at least $5 million to the table. They have already received some interest.
“Through our partnerships with the Suburban, we know quite a few people in Estevan, and they’ve actually been pushing us for a long time on an assisted living complex,” said Penner.
Council can also help with securing land. Ludwig noted there are a couple of available parcels that could accommodate a facility, one being four acres and the other being two.
Penner suggested having five acres, which would leave enough room for parking and a potential Phase 2.
Penner noted that for every unit for senior housing in a community, between one-and-a-half and two jobs are created. Today’s seniors also have more money than any other group of retirees in the past, so they will require better amenities than any other generation.
Bridge Road is optimistic a new assisted living facility could be open next summer or fall. Funk predicted it would take 12 months, from when they get the go-ahead, to construct the facility.
