Our Mission since 1986: “To provide accessible and affordable housing for people with physical disabilities”

Wheelchair Accessible Housing

Eligibility Criteria For GPRS Wheelchair accessible housing

-Applicants must have a physical disability that impairs their mobility.  Priority will be given to those who use wheelchairs and require wheelchair accessibility.

-If applicants require personal support services, they must have their needs assessed and have a plan in place to obtain the needed services, before acceptance into the units.

-Applicants must meet income criteria as set out by GPRS and must be willing to enter into a landlord-tenant agreement with the Society.

Phase I  –  Duplexes

In 1987, The Society built 5 duplexes in the Crystal Ridge area in Grande Prairie.  They were the first wheelchair accessible housing units built north of Edmonton.   

There are six 2 bedroom units and four 3 bedroom units. Each unit is equipped with an automatic opener for the back outside door. Hallways and doorways are wide enough for wheelchairs. Each bathroom has a wheel-in shower and a regular tub, with grab bars in necessary areas. The Bathroom Sink and counter have adjustable height settings custom for the tenants. The stove and kitchen sinks can adjust to the desired height for the tenants. Kitchens are fully wheelchair accessible, with such features as countertop stoves and wall ovens. The countertop is low for wheelchair access. Each unit has a washer and a drier. These features make the duplexes truly accessible homes.

Phase 2  –  7 Plex

  • & plex after the new siding and curbing was done

The 7-Plex, a 7 unit apartment complex, was constructed in 1994 at 9609- 123 Avenue, next to Phase I.  It was built to meet the growing need in the Grande Prairie area for more affordable housing for people with physical disabilities.

Ground-level entrances are fully accessible with automatic doors, and, like the duplexes, hallways and doorways are widened.   Each bathroom has a wheel-in shower. The kitchens are wheelchair accessible, with similar features to Phase I, including barrier-free cupboards and countertops.  The accessible laundry room is shared by the tenants. There is also a built-in vacuum system for tenant use.

Phase 3  –  Margaret Edgson Manor OPENING TBA

In 2005, Margaret Edgson Manor opened the doors to 16 wheelchair accessible units and 54 regular suites. Grande Prairie Residential Society joined with the City of Grande Prairie’s Global Housing Initiative, in a unique partnership, to give affordable housing to meet a variety of needs. All units have two bedrooms, and the barrier free suites are equipped with similar features to our first two phases.  Margaret Edgson Manor is a sustainable housing project, with no government assistance to run. 

The building was named for Margaret Edgson, who was a strong advocate for transportation and housing for people with disabilities.  Her estate contributed significantly to the project.