Seniors home in Fort McMurray long overdue, residents say

After years of broken promises, a group that representsFort McMurrayseniors fears many elderly residents may die before the government ever builds a long-term care home in their city.

Fort McMurrayhas no seniors living accommodation, except in the local hospital.

"I think everyone in the government should come visit Fort McMurray, and I will take them on a tour of the hospital," said Joan Furber, president of Fort McMurray's Golden Years Society.

Provincial officialswho visitedwould see, Furber said, "how our seniors live full-time in a hospital bed."

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Seniors accommodation has been a hot-button issue for years. Under the former Progressive Conservative government, a proposed seniors living complex was relocated from its downtown location at Willow Square to a subdivision called Parsons Creek. The proposed move angered many of the city's elderly, who said the new location was too far from the hospital, groceries and other services.

In November 2015, the NDP provincial government promised to get the complex built at its original location.

"We're coming up to a year since that was announced, and nothing has really happened," saidCoun.TyranAult. "I think that's where the frustration is starting to build."

Ault said he understand the province has been busy since May fightingFort McMurray's wildfire, and helping the region rebuild.

"Definitely, I give the province the benefit of the doubt," Ault said. "It has been a stressful time for everyone.But we have had many months before the fire to see some actions, too.I am hoping now we can fast-track this thing."

Alberta Health said the seniors home is a priority for the government.

"We understand that residents and leaders in Fort McMurray want to see shovels in the ground as soon as possible, and we look forward to meeting with them," said an email from the department.

The province said it has allocated $42 million and is preparing for the next step of the project,which is meeting with the municipality.

In the meantime, Furber said she fears a seniors home in Fort McMurray will come too late for many elderly residents.

"They'll have to move away," she said. "And when they die they get to come back to be buried."

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