Since 1954, Blue Sky Opportunities has been serving Altona's adults with intellectual disabilities, through employment and residential opportunities within the community.

They recently moved into a new recycling shop which has been open for a year and a half, a project which cost $2.5 million.

"We have sold our property at 251 3rd street, our old recycling shop has been sold, and we're obviously very excited about that," says General Manager Richard Neufeld.

K Block Developments Inc. from Winkler will take possession of the lot on April 1, and Neufeld believes their intent is to develop it residentially. He says Blue Sky is happy to have sold the lot, especially after the town rezoned it in the hopes that it would be used for residential space.

The sale will also help Blue Sky pay off a significant portion of its debt associated with the new recycling plant.

"We were reliant on the value of the building and the property to help with our financial goal when we built the new recycling shop," said Neufeld.

There is another $85,000 in pledges due by the end of the year which will help pay the rest of the loan. The only funds left to be paid will be a $450,000 mortgage.

Neufeld says, "I think that's amazing, and again, that's a testament to this community and the support we've received."

They are very excited and are working hard to make sure the lot is clear by the end of the month. Up until now, residents have been using the empty lot as rental space for trailers.

"That ran its course well and we appreciate the people that supported us through that with paying some rent, and like I say, it will be interesting to see what develops across the road," he says.