Official Administrator (OA) Harold Johnsrude for the Village of Morrin followed up on a request from the Drumheller Seniors Housing Foundation (DSHF) regarding the future of the senior’s housing four-plex, Blooming Prairies, during the regular council meeting on Wednesday, February 17.
Mr. Johnsrude was appointed as Official Administrator for the village in December 2020 following council upheaval in September 2020 and is making positive strides for the village.
“This is an item that was provided direction at the (January 20) meeting. Back in July of 2020, (DSHF) requested the village to consider either purchasing the Blooming Prairies seniors four-plex, or manage this facility,” Mr. Johnsrude said during the meeting.
Following the original request of DSHF, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Annette Plachner further investigated the feasibility of the village taking over the seniors complex. Part of this investigation included financial information, which was shared with Mr. Johnsrude.
One promise Mr. Johnsrude has kept since his appointment to the village has been to refrain from making any decisions for the village which will have long-lasting effects. Mr. Johnsrude reiterated this after reviewing the financial information provided by CAO Plachner.
He noted Blooming Prairies currently generates income through rents collected from residents, and receives provincial grant funding.
Mr. Johnsrude voiced his concerns over whether these financial supports would continue to be available should the village take over the complex.
“I also recognize it’s good to have low cost housing available in the community, but as I’ve indicated in previous meetings, I’m not going to make any decisions that will have long-term commitments,” he said.
OA Johnsrude made a motion to decline the request to acquire or manage the Blooming Prairies seniors four-plex, but requested DSHF to inform the village regarding any future decisions for the complex.
