The completion date for Phases 1 & 2 of construction is expected in early Q3 of 2023. 

The delay for Phases 1 & 2 is due to unforeseen supply chain disruptions. 

Although we have received estimated dates from manufacturers, until we receive confirmed dates on the arrival of necessary building components, we are unable to establish an exact time for the completion of the project. 

We will continue to provide project updates as information is received.

A Crime Analysis Report presented by the RCMP at the City of Grande Prairie’s Public & Protective Services Committee meeting on January 31 has noted a trending decrease in crime data in the areas surrounding the Coordinated Care Campus.

View the full media release here.

The project team has updated the timelines as follows:

• Phase 1 & 2: Completion expected by end Q1 2023
  • Includes the south wing:  B3 Occupancy (63 units), medical office and common area occupancy
• Phase 3: Completion to be expected in Q2 2023
  • Includes the north wing:  Floors 1 and 2 municipal office occupancy, Floor 3 C Occupancy (43 units)

Renovations/ Facility

Renovations are currently underway on the revised Phases 1 & 2 of the project which includes:

• Construction of 63 residential units (Occupancy Group B3) to meet care classification requirements.
• Renovation of residential common areas such as programming, recreation, dining, and cultural spaces.

Details on the revised phased approach are available in the July 12, 2022 Project Update.

Funding

Council approved $3,000,000.00 of additional funding for Phase 3 - the final phase of construction of the Coordinated Care Campus at the October 18, 2022 City Council meeting.

The funding is required to move construction forward with a Request for Tender for Phase 3. The additional allocation is due to a revised scope of work, supply chain issues and rising costs of inflation.

Phase 3 is focused on completing the necessary renovations to bring the space up to current building and fire code specifications, and to adjust the space to suit the tenants’ operational needs. It includes:

• 43 (Occupancy Group C) independent living units
• Office accommodation for over 70 municipal staff
• Joint reception space
• Meeting rooms
• Dedicated space for an Emergency Operations Centre for emergency planning and response

Off-setting revenue opportunities are actively being pursued and include grant application opportunities and potential future divestment of surplus City facilities.

Programming

• In recognition of Orange Shirt Day, an open conversation was held around National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, along with a t-shirt colouring project and bannock and tea.
• Scheduling of monthly recreational activities continues to be offered.
• Resident Council meetings are ongoing with a focus on weekly peer support groups and programming such as a non-smoking incentive program, etc.
• 11 residents received referrals for specialized health and medical care.
• A resident was able to access dental care with support from a case manager.
• A resident recently reunified with family after several years apart. 

Community

• A third Community Clean-up was held on Fri. Oct. 7 by the Coordinated Care Campus. The Grande Prairie Friendship Center volunteered their time to BBQ lunch for residents, and City and support staff.
• A local company donated a new BBQ to the facility. Staff and residents expressed appreciation for this generosity.
• The latest Coordinated Care Campus Community Advisory Committee meeting was held October 7, 2022.

New design plans have been approved to complete the required renovations while allowing the project to move forward and meet the original programming intent. 

The residential supportive housing component including a medical office will now be housed on the south end of the building. Municipal offices will now be located on floors one and two of the north side of the building, while later development will see third-floor suites for independent living accommodation. Demolition of the interior of the south end of the building has now been completed and is ready for development. The modified floor will see all programming remain the same, while also maximizing efficiencies for operations.  All renovation components of the project are expected to be completed by the spring of 2023.

Timeline:

• Phase 1: South-side B3 Occupancy (63 units) & Medical Office/Clinic - Nov 2022
• Phase 2: Common Area Occupancy - Nov 2022
• Phase 3: North-side Floors 1, 2 Municipal Office Occupancy – End of Jan 2023
• Phase 4: North-side Floor 3 C Occupancy (39 units) – pending

An additional  $3,750,000 in funding to provide a contingency for the revised scope of work has been requested from City Council as a mid-year capital request.

The budget request will allow for the completion of required renovations while meeting the critical need and timelines.  This year has presented challenges in the construction industry with the volatile pricing of lumber and supplies, and supply chain disruptions. With the project moving to tender, Administration will need to have the additional funding source identified for the award. 

It is important to note potential funding opportunities are being pursued to offset the payback of this specific ask including:

• Sale proceeds of the former Community Social Development (CSD) Building
• Future divestments and allocation of sale proceeds of other City buildings
• Federal Rapid Housing Initiative
• Green Municipal Fund
• National Housing Co-Investment Fund

Based on comparables, the project remains more  economically viable and expedient  than a new build.

Facility

• Renaming submissions for the residence are being presented to Council for review on June 13.
• Planning is ongoing with relevant partners to bring appropriate medical services on-site.

Programming

• Recent client successes
  • One client has been inspired by their case manager to complete their Crisis  Response  Management  Course  via  PACE/Northwestern Polytechnic and  has  attended Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and Mental Health First Aid. This resident’s long-term goal is to work in the social work field.
  • Three clients received referrals to specialized health and medical care.
• Scheduling of monthly recreational activities continues to be offered.
• Partnership with Friendship Centre that consists of in-house weekly presentations over 5 weeks continues. Weekly teachings consist of Introduction to Smudge, Medicine Wheel Teachings, 7 Sacred Teachings, Medicine Bags, Animal Totems, and Meditation Walk.
• In-house Indigenous  programming,  "Wahkohtowin  Program" facilitated  by  Indigenous  staff and  the  Recreational  Coordinator.  Programming  consists  of Sharing Circle twice a week.

Community

• Administration is bringing forward Coordinate Care Campus Community Advisory Committee application recommendations to Council for consideration on June 13.
• Resident  Council  meetings  are  ongoing with  a  focus  on weekly peer  support  groups.
• The  Good  Neighbour Initiative  has  been  spearheaded  by members  of  the Resident Council,  where residents  focus  on  cleaning  up  their outdoor space. A recent clean-up was held on May 26 and included residents, City staff and neighbours.
• The facility welcomed the Alberta Municipalities tour on May 26 and the Mid-Sized Mayor’s Caucus tour on May 27.

Renovation Updates

The City is working with stakeholders to provide viable options to address building requirements and current needs. As a result of combined efforts, adjustments in plans and timelines will see the project develop in new phases to completion.

Phase 1 includes:

• Final design considerations such as energy efficiency, safety, accessibility, and operational functionality;

• Building code analysis, conceptual and development designs are now complete;
• Environmental Site Assessment has been completed;
• Interior demolition is currently underway; and
• Some exterior beautification.

Image

Projected Timelines 

Image

Operation Updates

• A 4-year service provider contract has been signed with Northreach Society.
• Food service reviews have been completed.

Funding Updates

• The project has received a $250,000 Seed Funding Grant and is currently pursuing CMHC Co-Investment Funding.

Programming Updates

• A Resident Advisory Committee has been formed.

Community Updates

• The City thanks everyone for their interest in serving on the Coordinated Care Campus Community Advisory Committee. Applications are now closed.  The Committee selection process is now underway with Council review expected in early June 2022.

Applications are now open to join the Coordinated Care Campus Community Advisory Committee.

The purpose of the committee is to provide a connection between the Coordinated Care Campus and the community, with members providing advice and feedback on matters related to the facility.

Its mandate aims to:

• provide advice and recommendations pertaining to community education, integration and engagement;
• provide advice and recommendations on identified matters of concern brought forward through the Good Neighbour Grievance process; and
• provide feedback in the ongoing evaluation and planning for the Coordinated Care Campus and its programs.
• Currently, seven public member positions are available.

The Committee is seeking:

• four community members/ business owners
• one member from the Community Advisory Board on Housing and Homelessness
• one Indigenous representative
• one member from the health care field

Two members from City Administration will also sit on the committee, with potential for more members to be added based on qualifications and expertise on an ad-hoc basis.

Applications are open from now until May 13 and can be completed here.

The City thanks all interested applicants and looks forward to advancing the committee to build a stronger, connected and supportive community for all.

Facility:

• Renovations are progressing including tenant improvements to the commercial area and upgrades to fire suppression, accessibility and energy efficiency.
  • A recent fire alarm and subsequent investigation has flagged that some of the historical fire separation does not meet present day building code requirements.
    • The buildings current classification as a Group C Occupancy permits grandfathering from a building code perspective.
    • Supportive Housing may be classified as a Group C Occupancy or a Group B, Division 3.
    • A change of use to a new occupancy would trigger current code requirements. Alternative uses have been assessed but it has been determined that the residence will operate in alignment with Group C Occupancy requirements.
    • Resident safety is a priority of Administration, as such an Architect Consultant has been retained to advise the project on what reasonable improvements should be made.  
  • To accommodate the extent of the renovations, existing residents are  re-locating to on-site interim accommodations.
    • This will permit the most timely completion of work in a manner least disruptive to the residents.
    • Resident access to all existing programs and services will be maintained
• Occupancy of the office space  by City staff is expected in Q3

Operations:

• Development of an on-site medical clinic is underway to accommodate on-site and in-reach health care including services of a Primary Care Physician. 

Community:

• Recruitment of the Community Care Campus Advisory Committee is proceeding in spring of 2022
• Commitment to community safety and being good neighbours remains priority throughout all phases of the project including the current renovations

Funding & Finance:

• Projected financials remain within the previously allocated capital and operating budgets

Phase One renovations and operations are now well underway at the Coordinated Care Campus (CCC)

Funding Updates:

• ​​​​CMHC Co-Investment- In September, the City was successful in obtaining a $150k seed funding grant from CMHC. The seed funding is the first half or the two step Co-Investment application. We are now awaiting decision on the larger $2.6m grant. The project has scored high and our probabilities are good. 
• Health Canada- Northreach Society successfully obtained funding from Health Canada to support the delivery of healthcare at the Coordinated Care Campus. The funding will support a team that includes one (1) nurse practitioner (FTE), three (3) registered nurses (FTE) and two (2) researchers (FTE) and one (1) addictions and mental health social worker (FTE).  The team will work directly with the residents to form relationships and work with the housing support workers.
• Outreach and Support Services Initiative (OSSI) funding from the Province of Alberta- Funding support in the amount of $1.83m is allocated to support Phase 1 and Phase 2 staffing related to providing security and housing support workers.   

Licensing and Inspection:

• Supportive Licensing- The Coordinate Care Campus received Provincial licensing as a Supportive Living Facility on November 3, 2021. This involved thorough review of both the physical facility and the operational practice and standards.
• Inspections- Fire, Building and Health Inspections have all recently occurred and occupancy for the Phase 1 – Residential Element (floor 1) has been authorized.

Facility:

• Deep Clean
• Window Tinting
• Fire Sprinklers design complete
• Security Cameras
• Fencing
• Renovations in commercial area is expected to start in the next 1-2 weeks and scheduled for 5 day

Operations:

• Operational Policies and Procedures developed
• Maintenance Position hired
• Northreach Team as service provider is now operational on site 24/7 including security staffing

Community:

• Community Advisory Committee- The Terms of Reference for the Committee have been developed. These will be presented to the Protective & Social Services Committee on November 23, 2021.

Community:

• Several tours for community partners over the past month including for Northreach Society, the Friendship Centre and the Community Kitchen.
• Smudging of the entire building was completed on September 3.
• 25 residents will be moving in to the CCC this winter and have been identified, assessed, and participated in a well-received tour.
• A Resident Committee has been elected and is currently working on rules and guidelines for residents.

Operations & Programming: 

• The property sale is officially complete.
• Building contacts/operations have moved over to the City, and a licensing application has been submitted to AHS.
• Finalizing of agreements with Northreach Society in regard to process flow and client care is underway.
• Successful recruitment of a Property Manager and Facility Worker has concluded. They are scheduled to move into the building along with the Landlord Tenant Advisor mid-October.
• A consultation meeting with Ambrose Place and Bridge Housing (City of Edmonton) was held on September 24th to connect regarding programming and future sharing, support and consultation.
• A Cultural Support Committee is working on programming.

Finance:

• The City has been approved for $150,000 Seed Funding through Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC). In addition, the City has further provided notice of intent to the CMHC that an application will be submitted for Co-Investment Funding.
• Northreach Society is pursuing Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) Grant funding for addictions and health supports, through Health Canada.  This funding will be conducive to the Coordinated Care Campus’ recovery-oriented system of care. (It is not safe supply project)

Renovation:

• PL Hospitality GP Ltd has been assigned as the General Contractor for renovations in accordance with the Purchase Agreement. This condition was proposed by the seller as a means to address a financial gap that existed between what the City was willing to pay and what the seller was agreeable to accepting.
• The negotiating team consulted with both our legal advisor and procurement regarding the ask. It was confirmed that the three Trade Agreements that govern City procurement allowed for such agreement and that the proposed fee was considered good value for the project scale. Additional benefits included speed of procurement, current/historical knowledge of the building and organizational experience. The negotiating team accepted the condition.
• Following acceptance, a standard CCDC5B (Construction Management Contract for Services and Construction) was completed, reviewed by legal and executed between the parties. The CCDC5B makes the General Contractor responsible for procurement activities based on thresholds. A combination of direct award, quotes and tenders will be required to complete the work on budget and time.
• The renovation activities will occur in phases over the next 12 months, starting with accessibility upgrades in rooms, security enhancements, exterior fencing and fire protection enhancements to be completed this fall.
• To ensure recommendations and programming requirements are met, renovations which are critical to safety standards are a priority.  No further delays are expected to impact the resident’s move in date of November 1, 2021.

The Coordinated Care Campus is committed to further community engagement through: 

• Neighbourhood Safety Grant

• Project Updates

• Good Neighbour Plan

Grande Prairie has a strongly identified need for supportive housing based on the Grande Prairie Five Year Plan to End Homelessness (2015-2019), Affordable Housing Action Plan (2021-2022), and Homelessness Strategy (2021-2023).

Previous attempts at new-builds have not seen the success required to fully address the need. The scattered-site supportive housing system currently available to Housing First participants in Grande Prairie is limited in its effectiveness to support those with complex needs and is heavily affected by the availability of private landlords willing to lease their units to Housing First clients. The resulting impacts are straining our local emergency shelters, policing resources, and healthcare system.

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic permitted the site to be considered as a Rapid Housing option.

Benefits of purchasing an existing site at the current location included:

• Developed land
• Economies of scale
• Turn-key infrastructure with potential for quick occupancy
• Potential divestment of City buildings and inclusion of existing furniture, appliances and equipment
• Close to health and support services
• Walking distance to amenities
• Access to transit

For these reasons, the Care Campus was created to optimize the current economic conditions to meet our community’s needs and provide a sustainable supportive housing solution with the greatest return on investment.

The Care Campus is a repurposed hotel and conference centre that is being converted into supportive housing.  

It includes the following on-site service: 

•             Client Care Workers on-site 24/7 (Staffed by Northreach Society)

•             Commercial kitchen

•             Dining room

•             Programming space

•             Cultural support space

•              Programming and support (Staffed by Northreach Society)

•             In-reach health and mental health support (Alberta Health Services)

•             Housing Support Workers to deliver life skills training and support for maintaining housing

The facility includes:

• 63 B3 Occupancy  units for supportive living housing. These rooms are licensed under the Supportive Living Accommodation Licensing program.
• 43 C Occupancy units for independent living. These rooms will be governed by the Residential Tenancy Act.

Benefits of this operational model include:

• Time and cost savings
• Operational efficiency
• Accessible units
• Energy efficient design considerations

The Coordinated Care Campus provides both supportive housing units and affordable housing options.

The 63 supportive housing units provide permanent homes for people exiting chronic homelessness.  Supportive housing is not a shelter, as residents sign a lease and pay rent. Residents are provided 24/7 access to onsite wellness and social supports assisting individuals in achieving and maintaining stable housing.   

The 43 affordable housing option provides safe stable housing to those who do not require additional supports, or plan to transition to market housing.

Resident selection is subject to eligibility requirements which will be assessed by housing professionals at a City led “Hub Table” whose membership includes representatives from the City, Northreach Society, Centrepoint, Canadian Mental Health Association, Rotary House, and others.

One of the keys to the long-term success of the Care Campus is community inclusion and involvement.

To achieve this, the project team works to actively connect with stakeholders, community and business members and neighbouring areas through activities such as:

• Engagement sessions
• Public notices and signage throughout development
• Presentations to community groups such as the Municipal Policing Advisory Committee and Opioid Task force
• Good Neighbour Agreements
• Resident Advisory Committee
• Establishment of carecampus@cityofgp.com for community and neighbourhood feedback
• Various updates to the community via Council reports, media releases website updates, and social media

In 2022 the Coordinated Care Campus Community Advisory Committee was formed to provide a connection between the Coordinated Care Campus and the community, with members providing advice and feedback on matters related to the facility.

Its mandate aims to provide:

• advice and recommendations pertaining to community education, integration and engagement
• advice and recommendations on identified matters of concern brought forward through the Good Neighbour Grievance process
• feedback in the ongoing evaluation and planning for the Coordinated Care Campus and its programs

The committee includes seven public members representing varying sectors.

Grande Prairie is making progress toward ending chronic homelessness still has a strongly identified need for supportive housing based on the Grande Prairie Five Year Plan to End Homelessness (2015-2019), Affordable Housing Action Plan (2021-2022), and Homelessness Strategy (2021-2023).

Individuals will face different kind of challenges that lead to housing instability, but ending chronic homelessness is possible. The City and its community partners are working to create a homeless-serving system and a supply of appropriate housing that allows us to quickly connect people with the support and housing they need.

Shelter models provide critical emergency short-term services to those experiencing homelessness. Shelter models are meant to be a last resort, and often offer open admission based on capacity.  Accommodations are often in a group setting.

Supportive housing provides long term solution to chronic homelessness. Residents must meet eligibility by a team of housing practitioners.  Residents pay rent for their own units.  Residents also have access to 24-hour onsite supports and programming specific to needs, which allows residents to remain successfully housed. 

Coordinated care and supportive housing provides a stable home for people with no other housing options.

Results of this include:

• Improved physical and mental wellbeing of residents
• Increased social inclusion and independence of residents
• Reduced interactions with emergency medical services and law enforcements amongst residents
• Reduced costs to related services for taxpayers

Yes. Supportive housing helps residents maintain their housing, reducing the volume of homelessness and related issues in the city and creating a safer, vibrant community for all residents.

Once in a supportive housing unit, individuals previously experiencing homelessness report improvements in access to employment, income, education, addiction issues, mental health and life-skills.

Supportive housing is for people who have experienced chronic homelessness and need help to maintain housing and require 24-7 support. Individuals in supportive housing report improvements in access to employment, income, education, addiction issues, mental health, and life-skills.

Residents are referred to a supportive housing site based on their support requirements and what the specific site offers in terms of supports and programming. Tenant choice is also a determining factor in their housing placement.

The Care Campus houses individuals from the City’s Housing First program who require support due to physical, mental, or behavioral health challenges. These individuals have greater challenges accessing market housing, require on-going support and typically have a history of chronic homelessness.

Resident selection is subject to eligibility requirements which will be assessed by housing professionals at a City led “Hub Table” whose membership includes representatives from the City, Northreach Society, Centrepoint, Canadian Mental Health Association, Rotary House, and others.

Three assessment tools used to assess tenant eligibility include a Service Prioritization Decision Assessment Tool, Biopsychosocial Assessment and a Risk Assessment. This process ensures that the supports on-site match the needs of the residents.

Programs and supportive services such as:

• 24/7 crisis services
• Independent living skills
• Medication assistance
• Mental health services
• Health services, including home care services, continuing care, disability services
• Cultural, ceremonial, and spiritual practices
• Psycho-social, recreation or support group activities
• Financial goal planning

All programs and support services are based on individual case plan.

Despite the cost escalation, the project remains lower in cost in comparison to a new build.

For instance, a 26-unit affordable housing project under development in the area (Spirit River) is projected to have a construction cost of $285K per door (does not include land acquisition and development) and a 42-unit permanent supportive housing project in the City of Lethbridge is under development with a projected cost of $320k per door. 

Further the project completion timelines for each of those projects is expected to be significantly longer than that of the CCC and will require significant additional investment to supply furniture and equipment which in large part has been included in the CCC purchase.

Additionally, the costs of providing supportive housing remain lower than the costs of services and supports required to address issues related to homelessness.

No. The Coordinated Care Campus uses a recovery-oriented system of care and addiction management supports. It does not include a supervised consumption site.

Residential tenancy laws apply to residents, including the prohibition of use of illicit substances on site.

The Coordinated Care Campus is a supportive housing project which is a critical type of housing outlined in The Grande Prairie Five Year Plan to End Homelessness (2015-2019), Affordable Housing Action Plan (2021-2022), and Homelessness Strategy (2021-2023).

Previous attempts at new-builds have not seen the success required to fully address the need. The scattered-site supportive housing system currently available to Housing First participants in Grande Prairie is limited in its effectiveness to support those with complex needs and is heavily affected by the availability of private landlords willing to lease their units to Housing First clients. The resulting impacts are straining our local emergency shelters, policing resources, and healthcare system.

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic permitted the site to be considered as a Rapid Housing option.

Benefits of purchasing an existing site at the current location included:

• Developed land

• Economies of scale

• Turn-key infrastructure with potential for quick occupancy

• Potential divestment of City buildings and inclusion of existing furniture, appliances and equipment

• Close to health and support services

• Walking distance to amenities

• Access to transit

For these reasons, the Care Campus was created to optimize the current economic conditions to meet our community’s needs and provide a sustainable supportive housing solution with the greatest return on investment.

A Request for Expression of Interest was issued March 26, 2021 with a submission deadline of April 12, 2021, resulting in 0 submissions

The Rezoning process was initiated May 14, 2021 and concluded June 28.

Please note, Interim Mayor Jackie Clayton voluntarily recused herself from all Council discussion, deliberation and decision-making on the Coordinated Care Campus Project due to a perceived conflict of interest.

The Community Social Development, Enforcement Services, and Emergency Management (GPREP) departments are confirmed and committed to relocating.  There are additional opportunities for other service providers to lease within the space.