Thank you, Madam Speaker. Supporting the housing needs of seniors is very important to our people in our communities. To do this, a key approach to support our elders is to recognize their desire to have friends and family close by as they age and to remain in familiar surroundings.
Having those strong networks of your long-time friends and family around you has impacts on your health and your age. Having the support to age in place in your home community will improve the quality of life for seniors and may prevent early admission to long-term care facilities.
I am pleased to advise Members that we will be ready to open the new Fort Good Hope Seniors' Centre this spring. This centre is the last of five centres that were designed in conjunction with the Department of Health and Social Services, taking into consideration local guidance and input. The development of these units has improved the lives of seniors in Aklavik, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson, Whati, and soon Fort Good Hope.
These complexes feature eight units that will be occupied by seniors and one unit will be designated as a caretaker unit. An on-site caretaker improves the safety and security of the building. As part of these designs, these buildings feature common areas where therapeutic and lifestyle programming can be delivered for seniors. The designs include non-step entrances to suites, wider doors, and common spaces that are used for delivery of Health and Social Services programming.
Madam Speaker, seniors are the bedrock of our lives. They have been there for us since the day we were born. They have given so much to us. Their knowledge, their guidance and their love. As such, we needed to take the time and use the necessary resources to ensure that these units were built to the best standard available. It is important that we give back to the ones that have given us so much. I look forward to opening this facility and celebrating with elders and their families as they move in to their new home. Thank you, Madam Speaker.