Flying Dust Eyeing Long-Term Care Home

Flying Dust Eyeing Long-Term Care Home

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 16:00

 

 

A First Nation near Meadow Lake could be the first reserve in the province to house a long-term special care home.

 

The Prairie North Health Region is negotiating with the Flying Dust First Nation to do just that.

 

It plans to replace the current Northland Pioneer Lodge, which is more than 50 years old.

 

The current lodge has 55 beds — the new one would have 60 beds.

 

Prairie North vice-president of development and operations Lionel Chabot is overseeing the project.

 

Chabot says the health region is considering two possible sites on Flying Dust.

 

He says they have the room — about 10 acres — and they’re close to town.

 

Chabot hopes to have negotiations wrapped up by mid-June.

 

He says they’re proceeding carefully because this is the first time officials have looked at locating a long-term care facility on a reserve.

 

It’s hoped construction can begin next spring and be completed in 2013.