Most families in Alberta have relatives or friends living in an age-restricted seniors condo. What a relief it is to know that Grandma and Grandpa are in a safe, secure, quiet building with amenities and social activities geared to their age group. They have deliberately chosen to live out their “golden years” where there are no noisy neighbours, no loud parties, and no nice little children who are by nature noisy and boisterous, chasing each other through the hallways. Elderly people using walkers are concerned about the possibility of being accidentally knocked down and the resulting dreaded broken hip.
Demand for this type of residence for seniors is great. There are thousands of seniors enjoying safety, security, and quiet enjoyment in their latter years, not infringing on anyone elses’s rights, but all this is about to change next January when an amendment to the Alberta Human Rights Act will add “age” to the list of characteristics that cannot be discriminated against. Many exemptions will be allowed in the case of driving licenses, legal drinking age, etc. Unless the Government of Alberta agrees to allow an exemption to the act, the concept of age eligibility for residences will disappear. We who have paid premium prices for this type of accommodation will see our property values decrease if nothing changes between now and January 2017.
This concerns everyone, including those who have years to go before becoming seniors. Think of your elderly relatives and friends. And keep in mind that you may want this type of residence to be available when you become a senior. Lobby your MLA, the Premier, the Human Rights Commission, and Service Alberta to ask them to grant an exemption to age-restricted residences.
Terry N. Champion, St. Albert
