High River residents move into Saddlebrook

CTV Calgary: Trailer-made community ready A temporary neighbourhood in High River is ready to go and residents began moving in on Wednesday. Rylee Carlson reports.

A new interim housing community opened north of High River on Wednesday to give people displaced by the floods a place to stay while they rebuild or relocate.

Saddlebrook is made up of a number of trailers and includes housing for individuals and families.

The family units have bedrooms, living rooms, kitchenettes and bathrooms and the single units have some shared amenities.

Three restaurants and eating areas have also been built into the community, along with a bar and fitness centre.

“I think we will all agree being without a home or without a place to lay your head is one of the hardest things any of us could certainly deal with.  I know this isn't their original home but it's a step up from where they are,” said High River Mayor Emile Blokland.

About 100 residents moved in on Wednesday and the community will eventually accommodate as many as 1200 people.

Priority has been given to those people who have been staying in hotels or at the University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge.

Another temporary community is being constructed in Calgary and when it is complete it will house residents from the city, High River and Siksika.

Accommodations at Saddlebrook will be rent-free for the first three months to give residents time to find longer term housing.