It appears there is strong interest in a new senior living complex in the valley.
In July of this year, the Town of Drumheller posted a survey to gauge the interest in a new complex, a development by a company called Statesman, focusing on The Montrose by Manor Villages. It would be a state of the art complex with approximately 130 rooms with onsite healthcare that can also accommodate Supportive Living Level 4 seniors care.
Art James who has been working on the proposal said there is good interest.
“It is exceptional. We had 154 responses, of which 70 per cent were positive, which gives us 109,” said James. “The intention of the developer is 130 units, so we are in really good shape.
He said they are planning a question and answer forum with a digital prevention for these interested in the development in the near future. He said it would be structured as a P3 development with a partnership with the province.
“My sense of it, if there is a good response from the question and answer, I think this is going to move ahead, they don’t drag their feet,” said James.
He says it is a good match for Drumheller. The development would provide employment in construction as well as the operations.
“This is a pilot project and if successful, it will go all over the province. It is major in terms of Drumheller. It is probably somewhere between $25-30 million to get this thing done,” he said. “When you look at it from an economic impact point, it is 125-130 jobs for a 12-15 month construction phase, and then 70 full time well-paying jobs once it is operational, it is a bonus for the town.”
And Drumheller is a good fit for those wishing to retire. It has great medical options, pharmacies, retail and recreational opportunities.
“Quite frankly Drumheller is a great community, and not many people realize this,” said James.
