Kneehill County council heard a report at their regular meeting Oct. 8 that change is good when it comes to the Kneehill Housing Corporation.
Hosting two representatives of the corporation, Amanda Gill, chief administrative officer (CAO) and Amanda Kinniburgh, operations and finance manager, council heard that the two managers were asked to attend a council meeting and give an update on tweaks made to that organization.
Gill clarified in her presentation that Coun. Carrie Fobes, also the housing corporation chair, requested the senior staff give Kneehill County council an update on the corporation’s new directions and philosophy.
Gill began her presentation by noting the housing corporation operates a large facility in the Town of Three Hills, Golden Hills Lodge and that recently it became clear to those in the organization some changes were, “…desperately needed.” She noted the corporation recently surveyed residents and staff.
Further, Gill stated residents embraced the opportunity to provide feedback and are becoming more involved in the corporation’s work.
She stated the corporation is developing and implementing a human resources team to promote training and growth for the corporation’s staff.
A recent change made to the corporation’s operation was to “right size” staffing levels; she added there were concerns about the corporation operating short-staffed. It was noted the corporation recruited locally as well.
Gill stated safety audits revealed some attention was needed for things like an emergency/evacuation plan, chemical storage and safety manuals. She stated that the corporation has been working with residents, staff and local agencies on these issues.
Gill stated that Kneehill Housing Corporation has also begun rebuilding local relationships, with one example being the reintegration of the local home care service into the facility.
She stated that the corporation has engaged in a lot of successful fundraising recently.
As well, staff have been encouraging seniors to visit the lodge and not only see but stay in the guest suites to fully experience life at the facility.
Reeve Ken King responded that he was happy to hear of improvements at the corporation and was impressed by the group’s fundraising success.
Coun. Laura Lee Machell-Cunningham stated she was happy to see community collaboration such as having furniture from a local business in one of the guest suites.
Machell-Cunningham added that she noticed the pleasant atmosphere at the facility during her recent visit.
Coun. Debbie Penner asked what challenges or hurdles the corporation expects in the future.
Gill responded financial challenges loom before the corporation, which recent audits only confirmed.
“I think that’s one of our big hurdles right now,” said Gill. She noted a lot of work needs to be done and staff are looking at changes, tweaks and efficiencies to reduce costs.
Another challenge facing the corporation she observed is reintegrating the organization back into the local community.
Coun. Fobes noted since the corporation took a new direction she’s been impressed with a lot of collaboration and relationship building and felt that much of it stems from due diligence and hard work of staff, including Gill and Kinniburgh.
Fobes added that with leaders like Gill and Kinniburgh making changes that have tangible results the corporation is headed in the right direction. Fobes also noted the atmosphere in the lodge is much better than in the past.
Coun. Penner observed altering direction is a challenge. “Change is always hard, no matter what,” said Penner.
Reeve King noted that Kneehill County’s door is open if the corporation needs help and, “…keep up the good work.”
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review