Alberta’s government is committing more than $200 million to build and upgrade seniors housing across the province as the number of seniors continues to grow rapidly.

The funding would support the Seniors Lodge Modernization Program (SLMP), which focuses on building new lodges and upgrading existing facilities to ensure seniors can remain in their communities with access to supportive housing.

If passed, Budget 2026 would allocate $150 million over the next three years for the program. This is in addition to almost $54 million already committed to six lodge projects in smaller communities across Alberta. Together, the funding is expected to support more than 1,000 housing units for seniors.

“Seniors have made enormous contributions to the communities we live in today, and they deserve housing that reflects that,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. “By investing more than $200 million to modernize and expand seniors lodges, Alberta’s government is helping ensure seniors can continue living in the communities they helped build.”

The Seniors Lodge Program is unique to Alberta and remains the province’s oldest social housing program. Currently, there are about 11,000 seniors lodge units across Alberta, many of which serve as important community hubs, particularly in rural areas.

The modernization program brings together government, municipal and non-profit partners to help provide supportive housing options for seniors close to home.

The Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association welcomed the announcement, noting that improvements to lodge infrastructure can help seniors maintain independence while living in a supportive environment.

“Modernizing lodge infrastructure will help ensure seniors continue to have community environments that improve well-being and support seniors to maintain their independence in a home setting,” said ASCHA president James Nibourg.

Among the projects already receiving funding is a 102-unit supportive seniors lodge in Spruce Grove, which will be developed by the Meridian Housing Foundation.

Alberta’s senior population is expected to continue rising significantly in the coming years. The province currently has more than 865,000 seniors, and that number is projected to surpass one million by 2035. Within two decades, one in five Albertans will be a senior.

Applications for the next round of Seniors Lodge Modernization Program funding are expected to open in fall 2026.

For more information about the Seniors Lodge Modernization Program, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/seniors-lodge-modernization-program.