Town council opened the door for more affordable housing in Okotoks while at the same time helping women who have faced abuse.
Okotoks town council passed a motion on Monday to purchase land for a 60-unit rental facility for Westwinds Communities, 45 of which will be for affordable rental units. As well Rowan House Emergency Shelter will build a 16-unit transitional housing facility on the land.
Under the agreement Westwinds and Rowan House will pay 50 per cent for the land under a yet to be determined payment arrangement.
The location of the land and the cost has not been announced, as negotiations are ongoing.
“We anticipated that we would have to pay a portion of the land cost,” said Sherrie Botten, Rowan House executive director.
“Because of the partnership with both the Town and Westwinds it’s a really nice fit.”
Transitional housing is the “next step after women leave an emergency
shelter,” Botten explained. “It’s high-security, it’s affordable and it allows for programming.”
Rowan House has budgeted $6-million for the facility. To have 50 per cent of the land purchased by Okotoks is huge savings for the non-profit organization.
“This has really opened the door to start the work,” Botten said. “We have a capital campaign plan in mind, we’ve looked at models and planning what a 16-unit facility will look like.”
She hopes to have the facility open within three years.
Affordable housing in Okotoks has been a concern for council in the past few years.
Council established the Affordable Housing Task Force in 2018. Its decision on Monday was based on the task force’s recommendations.
“Affordable housing helps create inclusive communities and makes Okotoks a great place to live and work for residents of all income levels,” said Mayor Bill Robertson in a prepared statement. “By supporting people of all ages, family compositions and demographics we are creating opportunities for individuals to become active participants in our community.”
Ted Mills, chairman of Westwinds Communities, said the land and the 60-unit will provide more options.
“We’ve been trying to get something started in Okotoks but we never had the land — there’s been no opportunity, now there is,” said Mills.
Westwinds Communities, formerly known as Foothills Foundation, is a not-for-profit organization that provides quality housing and supportive services for seniors, as well as subsidized housing and services for individuals and families throughout the Foothills area.
Mills said the facility will be a mix of seniors, affordable housing and 15 of the units will have market-value rental.
It is not known whether the Westwinds and Rowan House units will be joined or will be two separate facilities at this time.
Providing new innovative communities that embrace complete neighbourhood designs, including diversified housing options for all lifestyles, at all stages of life, is one of the priorities in council’s 2018-2021 strategic plan. Council approved $3.25-million in the 2019 budget and an additional $1.35-million for 2020.
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