A proposed seniors housing development presented to Cold Lake City Council this week is aiming to fill what organizers say is a growing gap in the Lakeland: allowing seniors to age in place without being forced to leave their community — or each other.

The proposed project, called Norah’s Place, would create a three-storey seniors’ care community in Cold Lake offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and palliative care under one roof.

The vision was presented to council by Cheryl Benoit during a delegation connected to Age-Friendly Cold Lake initiatives.

Unlike traditional seniors housing models where residents often move between facilities as their care needs change, Norah’s Place is designed to allow seniors to remain within the same building and community throughout different stages of aging.

One of the major themes of the presentation was keeping couples together for as long as possible, even as their medical needs change over time.

“We will make every allowance for the family and friends of our residence to have access to their loved ones while knowing they are receiving the best inclusive care,” the proposal states.

“We are aware that as couples age, they do not always follow the same medical path. It is our firmest intention to allow couples to stay together as long as it is safe to do so. At Norah’s Place, if you are not in the same room, at least you will be in the same facility.”

Planned near the Energy Centre

According to the presentation, Norah’s Place would be built on 4.24 acres of land near Lakeland Lutheran Church, south of the Energy Centre and west of the Imperial Park ball diamonds.

Plans call for a 67-suite facility with underground parking and multiple levels of care designed around what Benoit described as a “people first” philosophy.

“I want, like, we want to be able to have our own mandate and run it in the philosophy of what I’m proposing here: that it’s people first,” Benoit told council.

The facility would include:

• independent living suites for residents 55+
• assisted living units
• secure memory care spaces
• palliative care supports
• 24-hour nursing care
• chef-prepared meals
• rehabilitation and therapy access
• medical assessments
• social and recreation spaces
• accessible design features
• outdoor walking paths and gardens

The presentation also outlined plans for amenities, including:

• a pool and hot tub
• barber shop and salon
• exercise spaces
• private dining rooms
• chapel and theatre room
• golf simulator
• canteen and small grocery space
• pet-friendly areas

The proposal describes the goal as creating a community atmosphere rather than an institutional care setting.

“Norah’s Place provides a warm, inclusive maintenance free community for those 55 years and older,” the proposal states.

The aging population is driving demand

During the delegation, Benoit spoke about the growing pressure many families face as parents and grandparents age while local seniors’ housing and healthcare options remain limited.

The presentation noted that seniors are often forced to relocate away from family and familiar supports once healthcare needs increase.

“Today the harsh reality is that growing old gracefully is the exception rather than the rule,” the proposal states.

“Married couples who have different health concerns are not always able to stay in the same home, most times not even in the same dwelling, and most cruelly sometimes not even in the same community.”

The project also aims to help reduce strain on hospitals and the broader healthcare system by integrating multiple levels of care and support services within a single facility.

Benoit urged local seniors who may eventually consider downsizing or supportive living to place their names on local housing waitlists to help demonstrate demand for future provincial funding applications.

“So, if you are a senior and you’re thinking about downsizing, get your name on a list in a facility in our area,” Benoit told council.

“The documents that we need to submit to the government need to prove that there is a need.”

Part of larger Age-Friendly Cold Lake discussions

The Norah’s Place proposal is tied into broader Age-Friendly Cold Lake discussions that have recently been taking place at council surrounding:

• seniors housing
• healthcare access
• aging populations
• transportation barriers
• affordability
• social isolation

The presentation came as the City of Cold Lake officially proclaimed June 1 to 7 as Seniors Week.

No formal approvals for the Norah’s Place project were made during the delegation presentation.

Seniors’ Week is June 1-7, 2026

The conversation comes as the City of Cold Lake officially proclaimed June 1 to 7 as Seniors Week.

“Whereas seniors are a vital part of our community and as parents, grandparents, mentors, friends, employees, employers, co-counselors, they make a difference in our lives,” the proclamation stated.

Seniors Week events planned across the community

A number of free events and activities are planned throughout Cold Lake during Seniors Week.

The schedule includes:

• a senior’s pancake breakfast
• an Age Friendly BBQ
• fraud prevention presentations
• seniors first aid
• pickleball
• floor curling
• croquet and bocce
• flower arranging
• bingo
• afternoon tea

The events are being organized through partnerships involving:

• Cold Lake and District FCSS
• The Cold Lake Seniors’ Society
• The City of Cold Lake
• The Cold Lake Energy Centre
• local community groups and volunteers

Some activities require registration.

Organizers say the week is intended not only to celebrate seniors, but also to strengthen community connections and improve awareness of available supports and resources for older residents.

For registration information, residents can contact Cold Lake and District FCSS at 780-594-4495 or the Cold Lake Energy Centre at 780-639-6400.