AGM 2013

Gardens On Tenth
Celebrates Another Year
Altona’s Gardens On Tenth held its first annual meeting this week under the new name. Chair David Wiebe explains the change was made at last year’s annual meeting and says it has been widely accepted. He goes on to say that over the last year the organization continued to provide rental services to about fifty-four residents, thirteen of which are supportive housing suites, a program Wiebe describes as “going very well.” For families who have had members in this program, he says they realize how important it is to the community and how much pressure it takes off the care home and hospital. “We (also) continue to work with Manitoba Health to try and increase the program from thirteen supportive housing suites to all twenty-three suites in the main building.”

Meanwhile, planning continues on the organization’s new assisted living complex. Wiebe says the Board has been working hard this past year to get to the point of putting the spade in the ground. They’ve been meeting regularly with the architect and have named WBS Construction of Winkler the project builder in conjunction with Bridge Road Developments. He explains however that the cost of the project has increased significantly to $18.5 million because of delays and some changes made by the Board. “We have met with prospective tenants and while they aren’t excited about the increases that are involved, they understand we wanted to build a nice building for seniors in our community.” Wiebe adds the Board has put together a business plan that cash flows the project and is just waiting to hear from Access Credit Union before getting started.

So far $2.1 million has been raised for the project and Wiebe understands that once work actually gets started, more will come in. “We have a lot of people who have made a one time commitment who have said ‘As soon as you put the spade in the ground there will be more money.” The Board is confident these people will come through with the dollars. He adds there are also plans to re-energize the fund raising campaign when construction gets underway.