Minister of Seniors, Community, and Social Services Jason Nixon announced that a Calgary-based housing management body has been removed from managing government subsidized housing.
In a letter sent to tenants of Trinity Place Foundation of Alberta on Dec. 6, Minister Nixon said that the decision to remove the foundation was a result of consideration for their safety, security, and well-being.
“No one will lose their homes because of this change. You can continue to live in your current unit and your rent will not increase,” he wrote.
In a statement made by the Government of Alberta, they said that they had provided Trinity with support through budget increases, dedicated staff resources, and peer sector supports, but that the foundation had been unable to remedy what the government saw as operation and governance issues.
As part of the change, Calgary Heritage Housing, Onward Homes Society, and Silvera for Seniors will be taking over the management of the units from Trinity.
The government said that the reasons behind their decision related to non-compliance with legislation, a high number of vacant units, ineffective and inadequate oversight over operations and capital funding, ongoing health and safety issues, significant board turnover, and frequent tenant complaints.
A total of 16 buildings containing 1,500 units were to be affected by the changeover in management, the province said.
Minister Nixon said in his letter that tenants would be contacted by their new housing provider to set up tenant meetings before the new year.
“At these meetings, a transition plan will be discussed that will minimize the impact to you.”
He said that new leases would need to be signed, but that buildings would continue to be operated as seniors housing under the Alberta Housing Act.
