Site Secured for Fort Mcmurray Continuing Care Centre

July 5, 2011 Site secured for Fort McMurray continuing care centre Edmonton... Downtown Fort McMurray will be the home of a new 100-space continuing care centre. The Willow Square site, across the street from the Northern Lights Regional Hospital, was selected for its central location with good road access and proximity to the hospital and amenities for both continuing care residents and their families. “This new facility will provide Fort McMurray area seniors the care they need in a homelike setting,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “The project supports our plan to increase the housing options available for seniors, helping them stay together and closer to family and friends, often in the communities that they have helped to build.” The more than four acre site, located on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Hospital Street, will provide space for 100 new continuing care spaces in Fort McMurray - 30 long-term care and 70 affordable designated supportive living spaces. “It is very important we move forward with this project as soon as possible so we can address the changing accommodation and health and personal care service needs of seniors and persons with disabilities in Fort McMurray and the surrounding area,” said Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. “When completed, this project will provide residents with the opportunity to be as independent as possible.” The new centre will provide homes for those who have been waiting in acute care beds or in the community for supportive living or long-term care placement allowing improved access to those hospital beds. Alberta Health Services will move 30 continuing care (long-term) beds from the Northern Lights Regional Hospital to the new facility. “We are moving ahead on our commitment to design and build a state-of-the-art continuing care centre for Fort McMurray’s seniors, their families, and the professionals who work in these facilities,” said Ray Danyluk, Minister of Infrastructure. “Now that a site is selected, we can move into the design and construction phase.” “When completed, these 100 new continuing care spaces will help ensure Fort McMurray residents continue to receive appropriate care," said Gene Zwozdesky, Minister of Health and Wellness. "These new spaces will free up hospital beds and are part of our 5-Year Health Action Plan to add 5,300 new continuing care spaces over 5 years." Alberta Infrastructure has begun the process of selecting a contractor to begin design and construction of this 100 space continuing care project. Alberta Infrastructure will prepare a detailed bid package for potential contractors, and will issue a Request for Proposals this fall. While this is underway, the site will also be prepared for construction, which is expected to begin by early spring 2012. The facility will be ready for occupancy by fall 2013. begin by early spring 2012. The facility will be ready for occupancy by fall 2013. “From securing the land to constructing the facility and then operating it, together our efforts will enable local residents to have their needs met in a cost-effective manner while staying close to their families,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Robert Storrier Paul Michna, Communications Communication Alberta Infrastructure Seniors and Community Supports 780-422-1173 780-415-9950 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Alberta Government | Newsroom | Ministries Listing | Seniors and Community Supports Home Page | Infrastructure Home Page | News Releases | Top of Page | Send us your comments or questions Copyright(©) 2011 Government of Alberta .

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