Jeff Heuchert
Staff Reporter

Twenty-five years after opening its first affordable apartment complex for seniors and disabled adults, Spruce Lodge celebrated the opening of its third such building.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday to mark the completion of Woodland Towers 3, the culmination of a four-year-long project that had to overcome some hurdles to come to fruition.

In late 2008, city council approved an additional $100,000 – money that was split between Stratford, Perth County and St. Marys, which own and govern Spruce Lodge – after the project ran into financial trouble due to increased construction costs, storm drain issues and difficulty in acquiring construction financing.

Mayor Dan Mathieson said the city was proud to support Woodland Towers and the work its staff does in integrating people into assisted living. He added the contributions put forth for the project were instrumental in providing “quality, affordable homes for people in our community ... who deserve the dignitary of living amongst friends in a kind, warm atmosphere such as Woodland 1, 2 and now 3.”

The provincial contribution to the project was $1.25 million. MPP John Wilkinson, who at the ribbon cutting announced an additional $41,250 to Spruce Lodge for kitchen equipment and accessibility upgrades, credited the vision of those who founded Spruce Lodge  many decades ago.

“Phase 3 (of Woodland Towers) shows just how powerful that vision was,” he said.

Woodland Towers 3 consists of 35 apartments – 15 affordable housing units and 20 life-lease units, all of which are already leased by 40 new tenants. The building was constructed with plans to install solar panels on the roof in the future, as well as with high-efficiency appliances and lighting.

Peter Bolland,  Spruce Lodge administrator,  applauded the Spruce Lodge board of directors for its foresight, and to the municipalities and province for recognizing the need to invest in affordable housing.

“We’re thrilled that the province is back in the housing business,” he added.

The city’s director of social services Bill Tigert said the apartment complex will help to reduce the county’s backlog of people awaiting affordable housing.

“Every little bit helps ... we’re always happy for what we get, but we still have a long list.”

Tigert noted both the province and federal government has stepped up with programs to support both upgrading existing buildings and new affordable housing construction.

The city currently has five affordable housing proposals in front of the province for funding, he added.