ILE A LA CROSSE GETS GO AHEAD FOR NEW MULTI-USE FACILITY

Released on June 23, 2003

The provincial government is announcing a $300,000 investment as work continues on a unique multi-use facility that will provide health services and a new high school facility in Ile a la Crosse.

"The top priority of our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care is to improve the quality of health services and access to care, while ensuring our system is sustainable into the future," Health Minister John Nilson said. "This new shared facility provides a clear example of our commitment to healthy and vibrant communities."

"This project is part of the government's commitment to invest in modern, well-equipped learning facilities for Saskatchewan students," Learning Minister Judy Junor said. "When we upgrade or build new schools, we are investing in students and in the future of Saskatchewan."

Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger congratulated the local planning committee for their hard work and innovative approach to this project.

"Today is a tremendous day for Ile a la Crosse and neighbouring communities," Belanger said. "This project will provide a modern, community-oriented facility that will provide ongoing operational benefits to the partners, through the shared space and building operating systems."

"Today's announcement is welcome news to the people of Ile a la Crosse and area," Keewatin Yatthe Regional Health Authority Chair Rose Daigneault said. "The communities have really come together around this project because we all realize the cost-savings and other benefits that arise from partnering on a project of this magnitude."

Ile a la Crosse School Division Chair Louis Gardiner applauded the Department of Health and the Keewatin Yatthe Health Region for their decision to join forces with the school division and the educational community to build a joint-use facility.

"We have been working hard for over a year on the planning and design for the high school component of this facility and are excited to have a formal announcement that a new hospital will be part of the project," Gardiner said. "Combining a high school with a hospital is a very unique concept and approach that our communities can be very proud of."

"Consolidating these important community services into one shared facility has been our goal for a number of years," Northern Village of Ile a la Crosse Mayor Max Morin said. "I am pleased that the province is moving forward on this project at this time."

Saskatchewan Health and Saskatchewan Learning are working closely with the Keewatin Yatthe Health Region and the Ile a la Crosse School Division to finalize the scope, cost and design of the project. Once this stage of the project has been completed, construction dollars will be awarded.

The new facility will replace St. Joseph's Hospital and provide space for a new high school. St. Joseph's hospital was constructed in 1930. Rossignol School has served the community of Ile a la Crosse for close to 50 years as a K-12 school. Construction on the new facility is expected to begin in spring 2004.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083

Debbie Clark Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-7791