Richard Froese
South Peace News
A project to construct a larger and more modern health centre in Driftpile Cree Nation was launched with a ground-breaking ceremony Sept. 26 with about 100 attending.
Chief Dwayne Laboucan says the new building will increase and enhance services and replace the current health centre that is aging.
“We want to have a new health centre so we can take better care of our people,” Laboucan says.
“Our current health centre is about 25 years old, so we need an upgrade.”
He adds the new project has been a long time coming.
“It’s taken about two years to get to this point,” Laboucan says.
“It has involved a lot of people.”
The one-level 1,477- square-metre building will cost an estimated $14 million and is fully funded by Indigenous Services Canada and the First Nations Indigenous Branch, Laboucan says.
“It is scheduled to be complete by summer 2025,” Laboucan says.
Groundwork started about one month ago under JEN COL Construction as the main contractor.
The building will feature about 30 rooms with space for doctor’s and dental offices, mental health, physiotherapy and occupational health, clinical exams and clinical treatments, a lab, a psychologists and space for visiting specialists, Driftpile CAO Lindsay Davies says.
Laboucan says the project is the first of three phases planned over the next 10 years.
Driftpile proposes to add a section for emergency medical services in the second phase and pediatrics in the final stage, he says.
Laboucan acknowledged the late Starr Sasakamoose, who served on council when the project was first discussed and offered many good ideas.
He passed away suddenly on April 10, 2023 at 43 years of age.
Driftpile and the contractor are eager to hire local workers and plan an open house in the coming months, Laboucan says.
The upgraded centre will be a valuable asset to the community, says Frankie Berland, Alberta regional director for Indigenous Services Canada.
“Your health centre is designed to be a place of healing, comfort and hope,” Berland says.
“This facility will increase current health programming and will increase mental wellness and community health services in your community.”
He adds the facility will better serve the community.
“We envision the centre will be a place where everyone can find the support and resources they need to thrive,” Berland says.
He adds the partners in the project are valuable.
“The project is a result of collaboration and dedication working together in partnership to execute the project on behalf of the Nation’s requirements and vision,” Berland says.
The facility will strengthen the community in the future.
“As we break ground today, we do so with a shared commitment to improve the lives of those in this community,” Berland says.
“This facility is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a common purpose.
“We look forward to the day when we can open the doors and welcome everyone into the new space of healing and wellness.”
He thanked everyone involved in the project.
“Your hard work and dedication will have a lasting impact on your community,” Berland says.
“Together, we are building a healthier future.”
