43 seniors displaced by flooding at West Edmonton care home, sleeping on chapel mattresses
Residents at Villa Marguerite assisted living facility forced into temporary communal arrangements after Friday flood; relocation plans underway.
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Forty-three seniors at Villa Marguerite assisted living facility in West Edmonton were forced to abandon their basement units Friday evening when rainwater rushed through the windows, leaving them sleeping on mattresses in the building's chapel and recreation areas.
Many residents have mobility issues and are struggling with the temporary arrangements. They're waiting in lines for access to few available washrooms and having difficulty getting in and out of bed.
Shannon Jackson, a resident, said the communal living situation has taken an emotional toll. "I got really grumpy and then I started crying and that's not right. You know, I don't pay $2,700 to cry," she said, referencing her monthly rent.
David Burbridge's room was hit harder, with at least 10 inches of water throughout. "All my furnishings are pretty much garbage," he explained.
Park Place Seniors Living, which operates Villa Marguerite, said residents continue to receive care and support while individualized relocation plans are finalized. Assisted Living Alberta said beds have been delivered for temporary accommodations and plans are underway to find more comfortable, private temporary housing. The timeline for repairs is still being determined.
Both organizations said they're taking precautionary measures to prepare for further forecasted rainfall.
The facts
How many seniors were displaced by flooding at Villa Marguerite?
Forty-three seniors at Villa Marguerite assisted living facility in West Edmonton were forced to abandon their basement units when rainwater flooded through the windows on Friday evening, July 11, 2026.
Where are the displaced residents sleeping temporarily?
The 43 seniors at Villa Marguerite are sleeping on mattresses in the building's chapel and recreation areas while relocation plans are finalized.
What challenges are residents facing in the temporary arrangements?
Many residents at Villa Marguerite have mobility issues and are struggling with communal living—they're waiting in lines for access to few available washrooms and having difficulty getting in and out of bed.
