An Edmonton housing project is getting a big boost from Ottawa. On Tuesday, the federal government announced $51.2 million for the new 199-unit Gilbertson Block at 210 Lakewood Road East. Quebec MP Caroline Desrochers, parliamentary secretary to the minister of housing and infrastructure, said many of the new units will be affordable housing. “Let’s not lose sight that behind the numbers, there are people, families” Desrochers said at a media event. “Over the course of the life of this building behind us, there will be thousands of people whose lives will be changed.” The homes are being built in partnership by the Rohit Group and Covenant Health and will be part of the larger Covenant Wellness Community, which brings together healthcare, housing and community services. Rohit Gupta, Rohit Group chief executive officer, said the six-storey apartment building will be built with “inclusivity at its core,” with accessible units and common spaces. The federal funding comes from the federal Apartment Construction Loan Program. An additional $5.1 million will come from the Rohit Group and Covenant Health. The homes were expected to be ready in late 2027.
