EDMONTON, August 23, 2006 An 18-unit long-term supportive, bachelor apartment building designed for low-income individuals was formally dedicated and officially opened today in the city's McCauley neighbourhood. Stollery Place, named in honour of the Stollery family of Edmonton, is located at 10554 96 Street and is designed to accommodate individuals at risk of becoming homeless and for some individuals who may be exhibiting signs of minor mental health issues. The two-and-half story, $1.3 million project was constructed by the Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation (E4C), with a financial contribution from the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund, the Canada Alberta Affordable Housing Partnership Initiative and the City of Edmonton. The on-going financial contributions of the Stollery Charitable Foundation are also recognized in the realization of this project. "Today's celebration marks an important step forward for the McCauley community," said Rahim Jaffer, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Stathcona, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "Stollery Place is about people with a passion and determination to help build a better community. And it is a good example of the partnerships that have made this affordable housing project a reality for the residents of Edmonton." "Stollery Place is an excellent example of how the Canada Alberta Affordable Housing Program is providing quality, sustainable and affordable accommodations for Albertans who are most in need," said Yvonne Fritz, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. "The Government of Alberta is committed to continue working in partnership to provide affordable housing in Edmonton and throughout the province." "These 18 units are great housing for a number of Edmontonians. The City congratulates the City Centre Church Corporation for this initiative," said Councillor Michael Phair. "This long-term, supportive housing facility will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of these residents," said Carol Murray, Chair of the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund. "We deeply value our on-going community partnership with the Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation. Once again they have delivered on an outstanding facility that will enhance the well-being of some of our most vulnerable citizens," Murray added. "Working together to make stronger and safer communities is what the three levels of government, the Stollery Charitable Foundation, the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund and E4C have accomplished in the creation and building of Stollery Place, "says Michael Farris Executive Director of the Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation. "Those on minimal and fixed incomes are better able to play a positive role in the community. Stollery Place creates a place that people can develop a sense of dignity, home and community," Farris remarked. All the units are self-contained and rent for $350 per month, including all utilities. The project received $450,000 from both the federal and provincial governments under the Canada Alberta Affordable Housing Program. For further information, please contact: Rob Martin Executive Director Edmonton Housing Trust Fund 780-496-2630 Sophie Dupuis Communications Consultant CMHC 403-515-2986 Judith Paquin Development and Communications Manager Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation 780-424-7543 Ext. 222 Cell: 780-974-4858 Robert Storrier Public Affairs Officer Alberta Seniors and Community Supports 780-415-9952 Jim Molnar Communications Edmonton Housing Trust Fund 780-944-5697 Cell: 780-405-0735 Jay Freeman Director Housing City of Edmonton 780-496-6026
