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The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) has officially launched its new seniors’ lodge, in north Calgary community Highland Park, on Monday.
In a news release by the AFCC, the 12-one-bedroom units for Calgary’s Elders offers affordable housing and safe space for social and cultural connections.
“This incredible and much overdue new facility will feature 12 units of affordable housing for Elders and provide cultural gathering spaces for residents to practice land-based teachings, hold ceremonies, and promote healing”, says AFCC CEO, Shane Gauthierin the release.
“This will not just be a building, but a safe space for indigenous seniors who are ‘vulnerable’ or ‘at-risk’ and have likely experienced discrimination, abuse, exclusion, and hardship. This six-million-dollar building is a welcoming place for our seniors to socially connect and access supports that will improve their lives. The building is expected to produce 14, 156 kWh (Kilowatt hours) per year due to cutting edge solar energy system.”
“This will drastically reduce our carbon footprint and further reduce environmental impact”, said Gauthier.
The facility was funded by the Government of Alberta, Calgary Homeless Foundation, Calgary Foundation, and Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The city of Calgary supported by selling the land below market value and providing expedited planning approvals for the project.
Speaking on the project, Mayor Jyoti Gondek said in the news release, “I am immensely proud to witness the opening of the new Urban Indigenous Seniors Living Facility. This building represents not only a physical structure but a symbol of our city’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural diversity and respect for our indigenous elders.”
“…Today we take a significant step forward in building a city that truly embraces and celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures that makes us who we are.”
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