Plans for a new senior housing development in north Lacombe have been put on hold, due to a storm water outlet issue.

Charis Village Board of Directors have been told by Alberta Environment and Parks, until a sewer line from Henners Pond to Wolf Creek is installed, they won’t receive any permits required to build a subdivision.

The development, which includes 100 units for assisted living and 120 units for long term care, is in desperate need of financial help from the City of Lacombe, which could cost anywhere from $1.5 to $2 million.

Hans Spelt with Charis Village said he’s confident they’ll come through.

“They’re pretty receptive to our proposal and I think that’s good news for us. I think we’re all aware of the restraints they’re under at the present time, financially. But I think they can overcome those restraints and somehow make our project come to fruition.”

A development like this one is something Spelt said is crucial to the community.

“The senior population is increasing year after year and I think it’s important that we have a facility such as this coming on stream. Whether it’s next year or the year after, we don’t want to wait much longer than that.”

“I think it would be a huge benefit to the City of Lacombe.”

The development will also house 146 units for independent living and 28 duplexes along with parks and trails, on the north end of Lacombe off C&E Trail and 72nd Avenue.

Council has agreed to consider this project during the 2018 and 10 Year Capital Plan budget deliberations.