Enhancing Rural Alberta’s Real Estate through Accessible & Universal Design
Athabasca University RAIC Centre for Architecture in collaboration with Sundre Hospital Futures
Location: , Alberta
Aging populations and the exodus of the youth to larger cities, have left rural towns with a demographic imbalance and critical repercussions on the real estate of these communities.
Current rural built environments are not suited to accommodate the needs of this growing demographic of people with health challenges, including seniors, persons living with chronic diseases, and persons with disabilities.
There is a dire need and demand for accessible and universal design within residential and public spaces to accommodate aging-in-community, community health and the network of medical and healthcare services required.
This project will conduct research, and develop policy and planning strategies, and learning modules to revitalize residential and commercial real estate in Sundre. The results will be shared with rural municipalities across Alberta.
This project builds on previous research conducted and partnerships formed through the Enhancing Rural and Regional Real Estate through Community Learning with project funding through the Foundation’s Investment Grant Program in 2021.
Built Environment – Support research, policy development and planning which promotes quality, independent living for people who are facing health challenges and want to remain in their homes.
