The newest addition to Winkler's skyline held its official grand opening on Friday.

"The day has finally arrived," Buhler Active Living Centre Board Chair Walter Siemens says. "I'm lossed for words... it's incredible that we got it this far and the project has turned out the way it has."

He notes it will serve the community for years to come, allowing older adults remain in the community instead of being forced to seek services like supportive housing in larger centres.

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder credits a heartbreaking conversation with former resident Peter Krahn as the impetus for the dream that became the Buhler Active Living Centre. Krahn and his wife was forced to move to Winnipeg, away from friends and family, because there were no supportive housing options in Winkler.

Harder says that story, and many others like it, kept him passionate about the project.

"That was the motivating factor in the back of my mind, that this is not right, that we don't have this type of facility in Winkler," Harder says. "Did I believe it would become this glorious and elaborate? No, but I'll take it."

The Buhler Active Living Centre held a ribbon cutting and public tours to mark the opening of the $28 million, eight story facility.

Located at 650 South Railway Ave., the building's main floor is also home to the Winkler Senior Centre.

In total, the facility offers 96 suites, 24 of which are designated for supportive housing for those who require 24/7 care. Of the remaining 72 suites 48 are designated affordable housing.

Tenants first moved in June 1. Currently the building is at just over 60 percent occupancy.