Released on January 5, 1996
Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Ralph Goodale andSaskatchewan Health Minister Eric Cline today announced that the
Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Works Program has approved funding
for a number of capital projects in Norquay, Neilburg, Macklin and
Vanguard.
The projects, which are identified as infrastructure priorities by the
communities and the province, involve the construction or renovation of
health centres in each community. The projects are expected to create
an estimated 100 jobs in the planning and construction phases.
Total cost of the projects is $6,067,000. The province will contribute
$1,423,000 to the projects, the federal government will contribute
$682,000, and the health districts involved will contribute a total of
$3,962,000 in local funds.
"These health centres will offer a wide range of services and programs
to local residents," Cline said. "This is consistent with our goal of
providing accessible services to help keep people healthy and to assist
them when they're not."
Speaking on behalf of Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Western Economic
Diversification and implementing minister of the infrastructure program
in Western Canada, Goodale said: "Health facilities play an important
role in a community's infrastructure. Across Canada, communities are
identifying these facilities as priorities for infrastructure
development, and are taking advantage of the flexibility of the
infrastructure program to build new health facilities or revitalize
older ones. These projects, in turn, improve the quality of life for
their residents and enhance employment opportunities."
Health services provided by these new health centres will vary among
the districts, depending on their local health board's assessment of
community needs and program requirements. Examples of services that
may be provided include: lab and x-ray services, trauma-observation
and treatment rooms, examination rooms, seniors' programs and health
education programs.
The health centres are in various stages of development. Construction
and renovation work on the projects will be completed throughout 1996.
The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Works Agreement was signed in
January 1994. It enables Canada, Saskatchewan and municipalities to
co-operatively undertake and fund projects which will renew and improve
the quality of the public infrastructure and create employment
opportunities for Canadians.
Federal funding for the infrastructure works program was provided for
in the February federal budget as part of the federal government's
prioritized spending program.
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For further information, contact:
Russ Krywulak
Director
Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8887
Mark Seland
Communications and Public Information
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-3825
Joanne Mysack
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 975-5942 Toll-free 1-800-203 9041
Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Works Program
Backgrounder
Health Centres Announcement
January 4, 1996
The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Works Program has approved funding for the development
of health centres in Macklin, Vanguard, Neilburg, and Norquay. Total cost of the projects is
$6,067,000. The province will contribute $1,423,000; the federal government will contribute
$682,000; the districts involved will contribute a total of $3,962,000 in local funds.
þ In Macklin, the Greenhead District Health Board will build a new health centre on the St.
Joseph Health Centre site, also replacing the Golden Twilight Lodge. The new facility will be
2,170 square metres. It will contain 22 long-term care beds, two respite/palliative
care/convalescence beds and a two bed observation area. The health centre will also offer an
emergency treatment area, diagnostic services and space for community health services.
Total project cost: $4,114,000.
Construction status: estimated start January 1996.
þ In Vanguard, the Rolling Hills District Health Board will expand and renovate the town's
existing health centre. The renovated facility will include: a large multi-purpose space for
seniors' day programs, meetings and health education sessions; upgraded lab and x-ray space;
a new location for the emergency and observation room; a doctor's clinic for visiting
physicians; office space for community-based workers such as the home care co-ordinator,
addictions counsellor and mental health worker.
Total project cost: $545,000.
Construction status: estimated start January 1996.
þ In Neilburg, the Twin Rivers District Health Board will build a new free-standing health
centre (the Manitou Health Centre), just north of the existing facility. The new facility will be
465 square metres and include a doctor's office; emergency and diagnostic services; therapy
programs; and expanded community health services. A large multi-purpose room will provide
additional meeting space for community services.
Total project cost: $808,000.
Construction status: under way, with estimated completion date June 1996.
þ In Norquay, the Assiniboine Valley District Health Board will renovate the town's existing
health centre which is attached to Gateway Lodge (the local special care home). The
renovation will provide space for: public health; home care; adult day programs; a visiting
therapist and physician; lab and x-ray services and; emergency and outpatient areas. In
addition, respite, observation and long-term care will be provided in the adjoining facility.
Total project cost: $600,000.
Construction status: estimated start Spring 1996.