Former northeast Calgary hotel converted into non-market housing for seniors

Residents have begun to move into a newly renovated, 120-unit former hotel in Calgary's northeastneighbourhood of Horizon.

The former Lakeview Signature Inn on 26th Street N.E.hasbeen converted to provide independent living for seniors 55 years and older.

The complex is now known as the Vista Apartments.

Calgary Mayor JyotiGondek was on hand along withfederal government representatives and other stakeholders to announce this housing project.

"Calgary is in need of up to 2,500non-market affordable homes every year," Gondek said."And, unfortunately, over the last five years, we've only averaged about 400 non-market affordable homes per year."

The one- and two-bedroom apartments were created as part of a wider announcement of $38 million in funding from the federal government, which will provide 188 units of affordable housing in three buildings for seniors in Calgary.

The former hotel was an all-suite hotel, which made it an ideal conversion, according to a release.

The apartmentsprovidekitchens with a fridge, cook top, convection microwaveand dishwasher, with communal laundry facilities, parkingand an on-site sports court.

Residents began moving into the facility in December, with full occupancy expected this spring, the release says.

The other buildings include82 independent living units at Silvera's existing Westview Community campus in Glamorgan and 42 units in the northeast called Livingston Terrace.

Federal Housing, Diversity and Inclusion Minister Ahmed Hussen says it's important seniors have opportunities to age in place.

"More people will now have the chance to stay within the areas that they were born and they have helped to build," he said.

Silvera Homes for Seniors will run the Vista Apartments with an investment of over $15.5 million from the federal government and $24.6 million from the City of Calgary.

The money comes from the $1-billion Rapid Housing Initiative created by the federal government to fund affordable housing projects across Canada.