Fire sprinkler system funded for seniors lodge

A number of Okotoks seniors can rest easier knowing they have an added layer of protection against fire hazards.

Alberta Seniors Minister Jeff Johnson visited Sandstone Lodge on Feb. 27, and informed the residents the provincial government is providing $500,000 for a sprinkler retrofit for the 25-year-old residence, which was constructed before sprinklers in seniors homes were mandatory.

The lodge is run by the Foothills Foundation, and chief administrative officer Lauren Ingalls said installing a sprinkler system was always something it had hoped for, but knew it wouldnt be able to do it alone.

As far as being able to financially afford it, half a million dollars... we would have been saving for a significant number of years before being able to accommodate that, she said. This increases, from our staffs perception, our level of safety It's just an added layer of protection.

The facility currently has sprinklers in the kitchen and in the basement, but the retrofit will see sprinklers installed in each residents room.

Thats good news for residents Doris Knight and Mae Taylor, who said theyve always felt safe in the lodge since they practice fire drills every month, but are looking forward to increased safety.

Were close to the door, all I have to do is take a few steps and I'm out the door, Knight said.

Taylor agreed.

But I think it's a good idea, just makes you feel a little bit more secure, she added.

The funding is part of an $80-million commitment the government made last October to upgrade sprinkler systems in a number of facilities throughout the province. The lodges with the potential highest risk are being done first, and Sandstone was near the top of the list due to its rural setting and low staff numbers.

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Fire sprinkler system funded for seniors lodge