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In 1979, certain members of the Founding Board initiated the
idea that in expanding the objectives of the Society that a
residential complex be established for many early pioneers who
originated from the Boian -Willingdon, Alberta area.
At this time, I was the Education Chairman for the Society and
with other members was just completing the implementation of
the first Romanian course to be offered by the Division of
East European studies at the University of Alberta.
I was then approached by the Board to be part of a small
committee, with the intent to research the feasibility of
building a Senior Citizens Residential Complex with financial
assistance to be provided by Hon. Chambers the Minister of
Housing and Public Works of the Alberta Government.
Thereafter, as our enthusiasm grew the Board delegated me to
chair and spearhead the project.
To fulfill our plan, our main objective was to have a
residence for senior people of Romanian heritage and others,
and to seek out a location in that it should be in close
proximity to the Romanian Orthodox Church and a shopping mall.
The project was initiated in early 1980 and took approximately
3 years thereafter to complete. During that time the Building
Committee was expanded to include some members from the
Church. Extensive time was spent on selecting a site location.
After reviewing several locations a prime piece of land was
selected very near the Northwood Mall. After lengthy
negotiations and rezoning applications with the city and
provincial government authorities we secured its location.
Thereafter the Committee reviewed extensive planning and
design recommendations with the architect and provincial
government authorities. During the construction phase, I had
visited the site on a routine basis to ensure quality
standards were maintained. Ultimately the 6 storey complex was
completed on schedule where it is today on 97 Street and 135
Avenue.
On reflecting back on 15 years of its successful operation,
which was mainly due to its prime location, the Society can
claim a major accomplishment in that the building has out
performed most other Senior Complexes in that there seems to
be an ongoing waiting list for occupancy.
All of the Building Committee members who participated and
gave of their voluntary time with no financial compensation
should share in that achievement as they have contributed in
rewarding many seniors for their early pioneer days of toil
and hardships. In addition, appreciation should also be
extended to all the successive Boards and members who over the
years have participated in the administration and maintenance
of the Complex.
In conclusion, the Society again would like to thank the
Minister and the Provincial Government of that time, who
provided the funding and their confidence in the Society's
vision and objective, and ultimate achievement in the best
interest of our senior citizens.
The residence has 51 units and 12 underground parking stalls.
Two of the 51 units are designed for physically handicapped
persons. The total cost of the project, $3,558,111, was
provided by Alberta Mortgage and Housing Corp. through the
Alberta Investment Division of the Heritage Savings & Trust
Fund.
On March 31, 1983, the construction of Casa Romana was
completed. Michaela and Vasile Roman were hired as the
complex's first managers. After their resignation in 1989 Vi
and Dick Martin became the new managers until 1996.
The official opening of Casa Romana (Romanian House) was
November 4, 1984.
Four murals are displayed in the recreation room of this
seniors residence. One was painted by Howard Lutic, son of
Lydia and Sandy Lutic. The other three were painted by George
Mihalcheon from Calgary.
On April 1st, 1995 Casa Romana 13439 - 97 St. joined forces
with Piazza-Italia 9521 - 108A Avenue to form an umbrella
board under the jurisdiction of Alberta Municipal Affairs,
Housing and Consumer Affairs. This body is known as the
Italian-Romanian Seniors Housing Association. The first
members of the Board from the Canadian Romanian Society were
George Caldararu, Dorene Zawadiuk and Sandy Lutic.
George Moss
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