Article appeared in the June 2, 2011 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
Over 50 people, including some of its new residents, attended the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new “House of Hope” in Arborg, on May 26.
The new 16 suite seniors complex, located adjacent to St. Phillips Drive, is situated in a country-like setting near the banks of the Icelandic River, yet is close to shopping and restaurant facilities.
Inspired by Willy and Elizabeth Dueck, who provided the seed money, the “House of Hope” was built on land donated by Trudy and Peter Dueck. Willy and Elizabeth Dueck are already calling the new place home.
“Mr. Dueck came up with the vision and entrusted the Arborg Senior Housing Corporation to move it forward,” said Steve Lupky, past president of the Arborg Senior Housing Corporation, and emcee for the grand opening.
During the ceremony, numerous people made speeches, including several politicians, a representative from the Interlake Regional Health Authority, and people involved with the building and fundraising for the project.
James Bezan was on hand to congratulate everyone involved, and thanked the Dueck family for making this project a reality.
“This just goes to prove you don’t need government funding every step of the way,” said Bezan.
Deputy Mayor of Arborg, Rob Thorsteinson, spoke on behalf of the town.
“Arborg is a growing community and our development organization has identified housing as one of our top priorities. This building is a huge asset to the town, and something we can be proud of for many years to come,” he said.
Harold Foster, Reeve of the RM of Bifrost, and chair of the Arborg Senior Housing Corporation, said a few words about the need to address housing shortages, and retain seniors and young people in the community. He said the building of the “House of Hope” helps address some of these issues.
“Our mandate was to promote the area. Our goal was to make our area attractive to people to live and work,” Foster said.
The new facility has 12 one-bedroom suites and four two-bedroom suites. A large common area with tables and chairs on one side, and a large television and sofas on the other, greets people as they walk through the doors. Eventually, the facility will be offering congregate meals.
Most of the furniture in the common room, and the appliances were purchased locally at Smitty’s Furniture & Appliances. A cheque for $5,000 was presented by Philip Bauernhuber and Michele Johnson from the Noventis Credit Union in Arborg, to offset the cost of those items.
The Arborg Senior Housing Corporation is a non-profit community corporation. It now owns three housing units in Arborg, The Legion Villa and Arborg Assisted Living, both located on Ingolfs St., and the new “House of Hope”. Collectively, the facilities are worth over $6 Million, and provide employment to 15 people.
