The Bow River Lodge Update 24 January, 2017
Keeping you informed about the This is Home project.
Details, details – then and now!
Walking through the new dining room, it’s great to see the details being added: fresh tile on the fireplace, new light fixtures hanging from the wood ceiling, a cheerful burgundy-painted wall. By spring, 2017, we’ll be moving in. Turn the page to see what’s happening in the residents’ suites, and go to page 4 to learn about the move.
Photos of the dining room show the progress: drywalling, painting, railings, lights. The mountain views and floods of natural sunlight remain the same!
Home, Suite Home
Residents’ suites are taking shape rapidly, as hardware, lighting, bathroom fixtures and kitchen cabinets are added.
Spacious ensuite bathrooms are fully accessible, with low counters, sturdy “grab bars” and in-shower fold-down seating. Each bathroom includes a handy linen/storage closet
Kitchenette cabinets and sinks are in, and fridges and microwaves will soon follow. Kitchenettes are fully accessible, with low counters and room for wheelchairs. And even on a gloomy January day, the views are glorious!
The main kitchen takes shape …
The main-floor commercial kitchen is looking a bit crowded these days, as equipment is delivered. The gleam of stainless steel is everywhere. Main dish sinks are installed, and gas range and grill await their turn.
… under “Chicken’s” watchful eye!
“Chicken”, a handsome sulphur-crested cockatoo, has been coming to work lately with his human friend, who is one of the drywallers on the project. Chicken likes to supervise everyone’s work from his perch on a scaffold, occasionally pausing to chat politely with passersby.
The This Is Home project is made possible thanks to support from the Alberta Government, Government of Canada, and BVRH contributing municipalities Towns of Banff and Canmore, MD of Bighorn, Kananaskis Improvement District, and Banff National Park ID9.
….The Big Move
Although we don’t yet have a firm date for building handover, Ian Wilson, the CAO of Bow Valley Regional Housing, would like to remind everyone that planning is underway. “We are working on a resident move plan that we will finalize once we have our occupancy date,” he says. “We will be sure to share lots of information about the moving process and hold meetings well in advance with our residents and their family members”.
Here’s some key information about the future move:
• Before the move can take place, the new building will be fully commissioned, operational and tested.
• Rooms in the new building will be assigned based on length of residence at the Lodge and mobility (those who are unable to negotiate stairs will be on the ground floor).
• The move will happen in orderly stages, probably over a 3-day to 4-day period.
• Bow Valley Regional Housing will provide moving materials and handle furniture setup. Adult family members are welcome to help residents pack and unpack their most-treasured belongings, and there will be assistance for anyone who needs help and doesn’t have helpers available.
• we will provide lots of advance notice and information, to avoid gaps and minimize stress for everyone.
Support for This Is Home
Fundraising is underway for furnishing, fixtures and equipment for the Phase 1 building. These items are not covered by provincial funding.
Financial donations big and small are welcome. Fund an armchair or an entire lounge, a side table or a whole bedroom! If you would like to help create a warm and welcoming home for Bow Valley seniors, please call Ian Wilson at 403-678-5922, or email ian.wilson@bvrh.ca
