Altus Feasibility Study (pdf) - Maison Senior Living

4904 ‐ 4920 Elbow Drive, Calgary, AB
Milliken Developments
October 28, 2010
Alberta Seniors Housing Overview
Alberta currently has over 370,000 seniors (residents over the age of 65), representing approximately 10% of the
provincial population. This number has steadily increased over the past 20 years, and is expected to continue to
grow into the near future due to a number of factors, including the aging of the “baby boomer” generation, lower
birth rates, and longer life expectancy. It is estimated that in less than 20 years, the seniors’ populace will double,
and that by 2031, one in five Albertans will be over 65 years in age. For Edmonton specifically, the most recent
municipal census (2009) had 76,776 seniors living in that city. This represented 11% of the respondent population,
relatively consistent with the provincial average.
With the increase in life expectancy for people in the 20th Century, the proportion of senior citizens will continue
to grow. According to Health Canada, since 1920, life expectancy has increased by an average of seven years for
men and thirteen years for women. This will further increase the number of people over the age of 75.
To meet future demands for seniors’ housing, the Government of Alberta has initiated the Affordable Supportive
Living Initiative, and the Lodge Modernization and Improvement Program. The program has now committed
funding to 60 organizations that will share $119 Million. In total, the funding will be used to build and modernize
1,153 supportive living spaces and update 1,992 lodge units. Partnering organizations include municipalities, not‐
for‐profit organizations, housing management bodies, and private sector companies. This funding is in addition
to approximately $246 Million in capital funding since 1999 that has supported the development and
modernization of approximately 4,800 supportive living housing units.
The most recent trend in new construction in Alberta has seen significant development of Private Assisted Living
and Designated Assisted Living facilities. This trend is congruent with the demographics of the Province and will
assist in accommodating the upcoming wave of seniors in need of appropriate housing services. The intention is
also that the development of these types of facilities will bridge the gap between independent living and long‐
term care, thus reducing the pressure on long‐term care facilities.
As it relates to the demographic profile of Alberta seniors, the following discussion provides a brief summary of
some pertinent facts.
Seniors on average earn less than those people below the age of 65 do. The most recent income data compiled
on income of seniors is from 2004. The average pre‐tax income of senior families in Alberta was $56,200; the
average pre‐tax income of unattached male seniors was $29,500; the average for unattached single female
seniors was $25,500. The income earned by seniors is comprised of approximately 60% from non‐government
sources.
According to Statistics Canada, senior’s largest expenditure is shelter, accounting for 21% of overall total
expenditures. The second largest expenditure is transportation, accounting for 16%.
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