The Westlock Foundation - Pembina Lodge Expansion

Pembina Lodge Expansion

Antique Tractor Unites Past and Future at Sod-Turning for Westlock's Pembina Lodge

June 15, 2011
For 2:00 p.m. Release

"The addition of 68 new units to the Pembina Lodge will make a real difference within our community. This is Phase One of a complete redevelopment project that will help meet the housing needs of our community's rapidly aging population," says Westlock Foundation Chair David Truckey.

"The ground-breaking ceremony using an historic tractor pulling a plow is something many of our seniors remember because early tractors and plows turned forest and bushland into the productive farms we have today. The linking of the past to the future will also be demonstrated by a relatively new construction method. The new structure will be built in a factory with components being shipped and assembled on-site," adds Truckey.

"We have assembled a group of specialists in modular construction," says Gordon White, President of Integrated Management and Realty (IMR), the company contracted to develop the facility for and with Westlock Foundation. "IMR has secured Dialog (architecture and engineering) and Cormode & Dickson Construction to again work together to facilitate the design, construction and completion of this new facility and the overall redevelopment of Pembina Lodge. The group now has completed over 200 units of similar construction. Usage of factory-built components enables greater quality control, a superior building envelope, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and permits project completion in approximately one-half of the time of conventional on-site construction. There is also a significantly reduced impact upon neighbouring properties during the construction phase," explains White.

"These projects don't just happen-they take a lot of volunteer effort. I congratulate the Westlock Foundation and the area municipalities for working closely together to get this project underway," says MLA Ken Kowalski. The Province contributed $5.4 million for the affordable supportive-living component of the project.

When the project is completed there will be 60 affordable-living units and 8 life-lease units. All the units will be barrier free and will have easy access to other portions of the Pembina Lodge facility.

Westlock Foundation is a management body providing subsidized housing for seniors. A member of the board of directors represents each supporting municipality: Town of Westlock, Westlock County, Village of Clyde, and Lesser Slave River MD No. 124. The Foundation operates two facilities: Pembina Lodge and Smithfield Lodge. The Foundation lives up to its motto: "Providing Safe Affordable Housing for Seniors which Promotes a Healthy, Independent and Enjoyable Lifestyle."

For more information contact:
David Truckey
Chairman, Westlock Foundation
780-349-4123
www.westlockfoundation.com

Gordon White President, Integrated Management & Realty 780-487-0012
www.imrltd.ca