Town council has given second and third readings to a Land Use Bylaw amendment that adds an adult care housing use to the five-acre property that accommodates Autumn Glen Lodge and Poplar Grove Court.
In a report to council on April 11, administration stated the intent of the amendment was to bring the Land Use Bylaw up to date on what is occurring at the site, which will soon see a new $14-million seniors' housing complex constructed to replace both aging seniors' facilities.
The five-acre property, which is designated as a Public Use District under the Land Use Bylaw, currently does not include adult care housing as a use. The report stated the amendment was also necessary to secure development permits for the construction of the new facility, which is expected to start later this year.
Before council considered second and third readings on the proposed Land Use Bylaw amendment, a public hearing was held. Two citizens spoke during the public hearing, and while they did not have an issue with the construction of the replacement facility for seniors, they had concerns with parking and access through an adjacent alley. Council members and staff addressed those concerns to the citizens' satisfaction.
Town supporting Olds society
The town has agreed to endorse an Olds initiative to establish a “Hub” for people with disabilities.
The request was brought forward to Innisfail council's regular meeting on April 11.
In a report to council, Helen Dietz, the town's chief administrative officer, said the town had received a request from Cindy Tippe of the Olds & District Special Family Voices Society for a letter of support on its current work to set up a Hub.
Tippe said the Hub would be a consistent place for citizens to meet with friends, enjoy programming and activities and be able to congregate with others like themselves.
“There is a higher concentration of people with disabilities in Olds because of Horizon School, but unfortunately there appears to be a huge void for these individuals when they leave the school,” said Dietz's report. “It is this void the Olds & District Special Family Voices Society is trying to fill.”
The report said the society has the support of Nathan Cooper, the MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, and that letters of support from surrounding communities would also be helpful.
Coun. Patt Churchill said council's support was important, as there are Innisfail citizens who attend Horizon School and could benefit from the society initiative.
