Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald
In 1983, the Knights of Columbus began planning to build a home for the elderly.
The building was erected in a year and started accepting the first set of tenants in 1984. For 40 years running, the the Columbian Centre has been home for many seniors in Prince Albert, and on Wednesday they celebrated that legacy.
“The first thing that comes to my mind as we celebrate 40 yrs is the over 600 people that have gone through the doors of the centre and called the centre home,” Columbian Centre Manager, Robert Fahlman said. “We celebrated 20, 25 (years) and we have not had any celebration since then. It’s been a good 15 years and after COVID we need to celebrate anything we can lay our hands on.”
The centre has been open since 1984 to tenants and even has a waiting list now. Residents must be 60 years or older, and capable of living independently.
“Our goal has always been to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable housing to those seniors,” Fahlman said. “The local Knights of Columbus and its Board of Directors, who own and operate the building, are completely engaged in this mission as a non for profit organization and will strive to vigorously continue this mandate.”
In the early 1980s, local parish councils of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization, agreed that the building of the Columbian Centre was necessary as a way to address the housing needs of low to medium income seniors. Although the complex is guided by Catholic principles, the centre warmly welcome seniors of all denominations and beliefs. The complex is situated close to most of the necessary services the tenants require.
“We have an amazing number of volunteer residents who work together to organize recreational or social events within the building. We encourage activities that keep our tenants active, productive, engaged and charitable. We have a lounge on every floor for people to gather when they want to and every floor forms a community where they are their brothers’ keepers,” Fahlman said.
Among the invited guest was Terra Lennox-Zepp, Councillor representing Ward 2 in Prince Albert. Lennon-Zepp joked that the recently turned 40 herself, so she felt a special bond with the place. She congratulated residents, employees, volunteers, and club members on creating a great community atmosphere.
The Columbian Centre is within walking distance to shopping centres, churches, and restaurants. It is located along a public transportation route — with a stop right at the front of the Columbian Centre.
Mayor Greg Dionne was also a guest at the event. He congratulated residents on 40 years, and dispelled a rumour that the bus stop will no longer be there.
“I have to kill the rumour, that the bus is not going to stop here any more,” told residents. “But I assure you that the bus will always be here. You don’t have to worry. That stop is here and it will permanently be here.”
The Centre works closely with the Board, the service providers, and the public service, to keep the community safe, dynamic, and hospitable.
