Steinbach MLA and Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced that the Manitoba government has approved more than 120 projects across the province with funding totaling nearly $30 million to ensure health-care facilities are properly maintained.

“It’s important that we regularly invest in the maintenance of our health-care system to make sure repairs are done and the most up-to-date equipment is used to support quality care,” said Goertzen. “These investments will ensure that sites continue to meet provincial, national and international standards and keep facilities in good repair.”

Projects include but are not limited to:

  • roof replacements at both the Seven Oaks General Hospital and Pan Am Clinic in Winnipeg;
  • mould remediation in the medical records archive room at the Thompson General Hospital, plus roof replacement, vacuum pump upgrades/replacement and phase two of a water booster upgrade;
  • sprinkler installation at the Whitemouth District Health Centre/Personal Care Home; and
  • dining room heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades and associated building controls system modernization and flooring replacement in the dining hall and main public areas at the Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach.

“We continually work to make sure our nursing home is maintained properly,” said David Driedger, CEO of HavenGroup, which operates the Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach. “We’re pleased that these important projects will go forward this year to ensure we continue to provide the best care to our personal care home residents, and ensure our facility is safe for visiting friends and family.”

Safety and security projects do not require a community contribution. Project requests are submitted each year by the regional health authorities, CancerCare Manitoba, Diagnostic Services Manitoba, and the Addictions Foundation.

This year, there are 44 projects estimated to cost more than $150,000 each for a total of $21.8 million. An additional $6.8 million will address 80 projects estimated to cost less than $150,000. The remaining $1.4 million will be held in reserve in case of any emergent project needs.

Other projects that will begin later this year include the installation of sprinkler systems, upgrades to fire safety equipment and roof replacements at sites across Manitoba.