On July 6, 2016, The Bethany Group welcomed the Honourable Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors & Housing, and other delegates as it celebrated the official openings of Wetaskiwin Meadows in Wetaskiwin and Rosealta Lodge II in Camrose.

Minister Sigurdson commented, “I’m proud of our government’s commitment to seniors and housing, and our partnership with The Bethany Group. Places like Wetaskiwin Meadows and Rosealta Lodge II provide opportunities for seniors to age in community and remain close to their friends and family.”

The day began with the grand opening of The Bethany Group’s newest affordable housing facility for seniors in Wetaskiwin. Though Wetaskiwin Meadows opened its doors to residents last year, the Minister officially opened the building with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Joining the Minister were MLA Hinkley, Bill Elliot, Mayor of Wetaskiwin, Garry Dearing, Board Chair of the Wetaskiwin & Area Lodge Authority, Dr. Odell Olson, Board Chair of The Bethany Group, and Denis Beesley, President & CEO of The Bethany Group.

During his welcome, Mr. Dearing said, “I’d like to thank the Government of Alberta for being supportive of our seniors programming in Wetaskiwin and surrounding area, allowing us to continue meeting the needs of seniors and the communities in the region for many years to come.”

After the official ceremony and visiting with residents, the delegation went on a tour of the building, as well as the adjoining Designated Supportive Living (DSL) facility. Wetaskiwin Meadows is unique in that it connects affordable, independent living for seniors with the more supportive environment of DSL. The delegates then joined residents at Peace Hills Lodge for lunch.

During the afternoon, the Minister was joined by CMHC Affordable Housing Consultant, Kelly Wagar, MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose, Bruce Hinkley, Mayor of Camrose, Norm Mayer, and other representatives from the city and county, as well as board members for the Camrose & Area Lodge Authority (CALA) for the official opening of Rosealta Lodge II.

The new part of Rosealta Lodge was funded by both the Governments of Canada and Alberta. The project also included upgrading of the fire system in the older part of the lodge, bringing it up to code and providing a safer environment for the residents.

The afternoon began with a tour of the new facility and a ribbon cutting before the official speaking ceremony began. Afterwards, the delegation joined residents for a meet and greet.

After thanking the governments for their support, Board Chair of CALA, Max Lindstrand said, “We take pride in providing our residents services that enhance their quality of lives and meet an enjoyable standard. We remain committed to our vision and goals, and see the opening of Rosealta Lodge II as paving the way for a better future.”

Regarding both openings, The Bethany Group’s Board Chair, Dr. Odell Olson said, “Today has been an example of how everyone - the Boards, the staff of The Bethany Group, the Governments of Canada and Alberta, as well as the municipalities - can work together to improve communities.”