55+ housing project earmarked for north of Alliance Church
Land just north of the Viking Alliance Church has been earmarked as the site for a 55 plus housing development, and the town has advertised in The Weekly Review and via a flyer campaign to generate interest in the project.
Viking’s committee of the whole discussed the project Nov. 5, noting the expectation is for a spring groundbreaking to begin construction by Bridge Road Developments, which specializes in housing for seniors.
“The town controls that land,” said Community Relations Director Doug Lefsrud, noting that the town was “getting the word out” by mailing out 22,000 flyers within an 80 km radius of Viking. But he said, “It’s up to the developer to make this project go.”
To that end, a primary investment group is needed. More information has been made available on the town’s website.
Lefsrud said he stressed the need for “curb appeal” for the project, which will front 48 Street and lie between the church and Eastview campgrounds.
“All comments so far have been positive,” he said, noting the developer and primary investor group willing to invest their money, “are the ones to get the 18-unit project off the ground,” with a sod turning in the spring.
Said CAO Don McLeod: “Once we have 10 people signed up…It’s a go.”
“I hope the mailers (sent out) will spark interest,” added Lefsrud. “We as a town have done all we can.” He included a copy of the land purchase and contract, and a site drawing showing a cul de sac and walking path.
As the land is currently unserviced, the town will have to install the sewer for the future development, “but the developer pays for everything else.”
If the project proceeds, the plan is to name it after a Viking citizen who went on to be an NHL player – Clem Loughlin. The housing project will be called Loughlin Estates.
Lefsrud said there is even talk of a phase two for the project on land to the east of the current proposed development. This would front the south side of 53 Avenue.
As a followup at the Viking Council’s Nov. 20 meeting, Lefsrud reported that “all the comments are positive” with “very positive feedback” concerning the news of the new development; but he added that more information is needed by the public, and what the primary investors’ group is all about.
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Patricia Harcourt
Editor
