The steering committee tasked with recommending a future use for the former and now vacant Foothills Lodge seniors' living facility has completed a report that will be submitted to the provincial government by the end of the month.
The recommendations outlined in the report, which was done in early June, first had to be approved through the Mountain View Seniors' Housing board, which happened June 16, said Sam Smalldon, the non-profit organization's administrator as well as a sitting member of the steering committee.
As the gears of government bureaucracy are not known to turn quickly, Smalldon told the Round Up the committee hopes to receive a response from Lori Sigurdson, the minister of Alberta Seniors and Housing, early this coming fall.
"I honestly believe we adjudicated a community-driven process to get feedback on the potential benefit on using that site for the community's benefit in Sundre," he said last week during a phone interview with the Round Up.
The ministry ensured local residents had ample opportunity to provide feedback, and the community was canvassed for members who were interested in sitting on the steering committee, he said.
"We want the best outcome."
Although Mountain View Seniors' Housing has been involved in the process, Smalldon said the organization did not vote on the proposed recommended uses for the facility.
"We've said from the beginning that we don't want to influence the process but facilitate it," he said.
"The recommendations were voted on by community members. I think we did a good job on behalf of the community."
However, although the recommendations in the report are ready for the ministry's consideration, he said the steering committee is keen to avoid placing the minister in a corner by prematurely identifying the final proposals and potentially building up people's expectations.
The future use of the facility ultimately will come down to the ministry, which will base its final decision on the committee's report. Smalldon asked for the community's patience until the steering committee receives the final report, which is expected to happen in September.
In the meantime, Smalldon said anyone with questions about the process is welcome to reach him by calling his office at 403-556-2957.
