A welcome update for those awaiting news on the new Christenson Development Urban Village project in Whitecourt

Many families in Whitecourt and surrounding area have been anxiously awaiting news of some kind on the construction of the Christenson Development Urban Village project planned for the area south of 49th Avenue. In February of 2015, then MLA George VanderBurg excitedly announced the planned 50 assisted retirement living spaces as being just the beginning of a long-term development in the area. At the time, shovels were planned to hit dirt very quickly and the first stage was set to be completed by the end of 2016.

Now, well into 2018, with no building up and no visible activity on the land, many residents are growing concerned that this development is turning into a ghost project similar to the ‘always promised but never delivered’, new hospital. Wanting to be able to provide answers, the Press reached out to Christenson Development to find out exactly where the project currently sits in the process and what residents can expect going forward.

Firstly, and most importantly, the project is still a go. Rumours have circulated that it was postponed indefinitely or cancelled altogether, but the Press can confirm that that is not the case. In speaking with Christenson Group of Companies CEO, Greg Christenson, though the project has seen some delays, the delays have led to positive changes. The biggest change came just a month ago when the first stage building went from being a two-storey to a three-storey building. Originally planned to house 50 care beds and two hospice beds on two floors, the new plan will include a third floor featuring 17 independent living areas.

“The first two floors will be typical care units, 350 square feet studios, and the third floor will be independent living life lease units much like condominiums that will be larger in size, varying between 750 to 1,150 square feet with balconies and full kitchens,” explained Christenson. Due to a few regulatory changes within the government, the opportunity to add the additional floor was a welcomed change that the group jumped onto immediately.

So, why the delays? One of the biggest reasons for the gap in planned start dates was due to a roadway that proved to be very expensive. Prior plans required a new street to access the project but the costs to add it in were much higher than anticipated. A slight modification to the placement of the first stage building has removed the need for a new road and thus has reduced a large cost in the project. “Before, we were building a road and the first phase, and now the amount of road that needs to be built is nominal which changes the economics for any landowner and, in this case, the town. Someday that road will be required but it needs a big development to drive it.”

Christenson confirmed that his company has entered into a purchasing sale agreement with the Town of Whitecourt which is conditional on the funding from the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) through Alberta Seniors. “That grant remains in place which is good news.” The grant totals $4.875 M and will fund the care building called The Manor. Other changes that took place during the waiting period were minor amendments to the first two floors, so they are suitable for dementia patients. “As you can imagine, being able to protect people with dementia is slightly different than those without. These amendments are also good news,” said Christenson.

The current focus is now on getting the development permit which he calls the Master Service Agreement. “All our other seniors’ buildings have an agreement which is for Alberta Health Services to provide the care. Alberta Seniors needs to see an agreement before they cut the check.”

Christenson said he doesn’t expect the development permit to be held up. “We don’t anticipate the permit being any problem at all because we’ve had nothing but excellent support by the Town of Whitecourt including the planning department. We feel we have an excellent working relationship with both administration and the council.” Another reason he doesn’t expect the permit to be an issue is that he understands that this project is a community priority. “We are quite positive about that.”

When asked about a timeline, Christenson said they don’t want to give finalized dates until they have every single variable in place but did say the funding of the grant and the closing of the land would happen concurrently, and he thinks that would take place somewhere in the next 60 to 90 days.

Residents can expect to see an updated site plan on the Christenson website (www.cdlhomes.com/communities/whitecourtDowntownSouth) along with more information. “We look forward to this process. Everyone has been so patient, and we are very grateful that interest remains. We know the need is real and we’re very thankful for the patience.” Once shovels finally hit the dirt the first phase of the project is expected to take 14 to 16 months to complete.

Once the first phase is done there will be a total of 69 spots for area seniors. Phase two will add even more space with a planned four-storey building featuring 54 condominiums. “If both went up simultaneously then the third floor wouldn’t be as important because that target audience could be in the 54 unit building,” said Christenson, but the process of putting up two buildings at once could have been much more drawn out.

The project will enable families to stay together in Whitecourt rather than place elderly family members in distant facilities. “Our vision of a sustainable, attractive community is inter-generational and, unless you have families where the aging parents can stay there, you end up with this fly-in fly-out way of life and that has ramifications on attracting a workforce,” explained Christenson.

Though the wait has been frustrating for all involved including residents with aging parents or family that want to be able to remain local, he said the wait has proved to have silver linings. “It’s given us time to double think everything and the third storey is now an attractive add-on. It takes a lot of patience, but the good news is that we’re so close to the finish line now.”