The tractors are already moving dirt even as officials Thursday stuck shovels in the ground for the symbolic sod turning for Wellings of Lloydminster. The new adult 55 plus development in Lloydminster’s west side spans some 11 acres and the Nautical Lands Group Construction says its the largest of this type of space they are creating in their portfolio.
Construction crews are pressing ahead across from the circle at 72nd Avenue and 34th Street with the first townhouses being readied in a year to nine months for leasing. When Phase one is complete, the community at Wellings will comprise 66 one and two-bedroom villas within 15 townhome-bungalows and a 8,000 square foot community clubhouse.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers pointed to the benefits this holds for the community, both for the target demographic seeking to get away from yard chores and shovelling snow to the economic injection to the Border City.
“I would think we are talking in the neighbourhood of likely $100 million overall; at least. And what that will generate, as we have heard there likely will be local trades. We are working with local suppliers. Nelson Homes, a company that started in this city and continues to play a major role as an employer.”
Aalbers in looking at the economic spinoffs says the figure he has estimated could be even more.
“I think it will go past the hundred million mark.”
Clayton Butt, general superintendent for Alberta operations with NLGC says they have worked on projects in the city in the past like condos, hotels and strip malls as well as restaurants like Browns Social House, Rock Creek and MacDonald’s. He stresses the local input from Lloydminster contractors.
“We like to employ the local people; local trades, even right down to labourers, foremen, supers, this kind of stuff. That is our plan for this project. Even when it comes to suppliers, Nelson Homes; they are doing all of the supplies for structure.”
Natalie Tommy VP Marketing with NLGC says they are aiming for 432 units being completed over the next two years. She sees the importance of quality seniors community living.
“We’ve always wanted seniors to be able to continue to thrive and live in a place that they have lived for 40 years. It’s really about downsizing and this was a perfect place for it. To build a seniors community and to be able to drive outside and not be in full traffic; that’s one tick box for us.”
Tommy notes the collaborative role of the city and the Lloydminster Chamber as well as other community business partners as another checkbox in moving the development forward.