EXCITING STEP FORWARD FOR NEW WATROUS LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY

Watrous and neighbouring municipalities are one step closer to seeing a new long-term care facility in their community. In Saskatoon today, Saskatoon Regional Health Authority awarded Humboldt Lumber Mart Ltd. the tender for construction of a $14.4 million building to replace the existing Manitou Lodge.

This project is part of the provincial government's $152.8 million commitment to replace 13 aging health facilities throughout Saskatchewan, with buildings that meet today's building standards.

"We are extremely pleased to see this exciting step forward in improving long-term care facilities in our province," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "It is incredibly important to this government that long-term care residents have a safe and comfortable place to live and health care providers have the work environment they need to provide quality care."

Funding for this project comes from the government's $1.5 billion Ready for Growth initiative, to strengthen Saskatchewan's infrastructure and ensure the economy remains strong. The Town of Watrous and neighbouring municipalities are also a key partner in this project.

"The Watrous Community Health Foundation and area municipalities have been working hard to make sure our local funding commitment is in place to make this project a reality," Town of Watrous Mayor Ed Collins said. "This is a facility that will ensure our area residents receive the care they deserve, close to their families and friends, while staying in an area they have lived in and served."

The Town of Watrous, neighboring municipalities, Saskatoon Health Region, including working groups of staff and clients, have been involved in planning for the project and developing the design with the architects for the new 43-bed facility.

"This is really a project that is being built by the community for the community," Saskatoon Regional Health Authority Board Chair Jim Rhode said. "We would not be here without the ongoing support and commitment from the community and provincial government and we thank them, along with our staff and clients, for their dedication in moving this project forward."

Construction is expected to start this fall and be completed by summer 2012. Planning continues for the construction projects in other communities.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Linda Walker
Saskatoon Health Region
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-3476