NEWS

2023 April 6

Dear Lakes of Muirfield and Lyalta Residents:

The Wheatland & Area Hospice Society and Wheatland Housing Management Board recently held Presentations throughout Wheatland County to inform residents of the latest developments in their joint project to build a new lodge and hospice just east of Kinsmen Park in Strathmore.

6 presentations were done over 10 days, and support was overwhelmingly positive. 

Due to several factors, we were unable to present at a few remaining communities.  I would like to assure you that you are not forgotten, and by way of this letter, provide a quick summary of the presentation: 

• 1 in 4 seniors in the next 20 years will require housing assistance (low income)
• 400 spaces are estimated to be needed for Wheatland County (current lodge has 89)
• New lodge project will add 120 spaces (first phase of multi-phased build)
• Hospice will have 3-6 beds within the new lodge
• Total estimated cost is $53m

Our website www.wheatlandhospice.ca also has a number of resources available:

• The Need, The Build, and The Cost FAQ’s are on our landing page
• Reports specifically about the new lodge build by a variety of consultants can be found under the dropdown Who We Are/Internal and External Reports.

WHMB and WAHS are now in the first of four phases of project management allowing for more fine tuning of costs, financing, and construction details occur.

As with any project this size, more consultations and reports are expected. I would like to extend an invitation to all residents of Lakes of Muirfield and Lyalta area to attend our next round of Community Presentations on this progress, likely following Easter/Spring Break, the provincial election, (and once seeding/calving is completed).  A presentation will certainly be in your area.

Importantly, a letter of support is required of all involved municipal partners to advance to phase 2 (involving provincial grants of $7m).  The County of Wheatland is the only partner who has not yet provided this.  We urge you to contact your county counsellors to indicate your support for this project.

Not for profit seniors housing is a significant endeavor that requires many partnerships, innovative thinking, and recognition of the value of multi-generation communities. Hospice societies and rural palliative care provide support to patients, families, and caregivers. Thank you in advance for supporting this very important project in our community. 

Yours truly,

Dr. Joni McNeely

Chair

Wheatland & Area Hospice Society

Approved by Lakes of Muirfield HOA