Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced the upcoming provincial budget will include funding to build a new personal care home in Lac du Bonnet.
“Manitoba’s seniors built our province. They worked hard and sacrificed to make life better for their children and their grandchildren, and now it’s our turn to take care of them” said Kinew. “Seniors in Lac du Bonnet have been waiting far too long for a personal care home that will help them stay in their community, close to their family and support system. Today, we’re telling them, no more waiting. We’re going to get this built.”
The new 95-bed personal care home will replace the town’s existing 30-bed facility. The project was cancelled by the previous government in 2017, noted Kinew. It was again announced in August 2023 as one of six personal care homes which Treasury Board documents note were approved in principle but not funded, added the premier.
“When the previous government cancelled this new personal care home for Lac du Bonnet, it was a blow to seniors and the whole community,” said Asagwara. “This long-awaited project will keep seniors close to home and close to their supports and loved ones.”
The site was selected based on high need in the area, said Asagwara, noting approximately 65 residents in the community are waiting to get into a personal care home bed. Increasing the number of personal care home beds means individuals can get the level of care they need in an appropriate setting, while freeing up hospital beds for patients requiring acute care, noted the minister.
“The Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home project has been a work in progress for decades, with countless volunteer hours,” said Loren Schinkel, reeve, Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet. “On behalf of our regional seniors and residents I would like to thank Premier Kinew and Health Minister Asagwara for this very positive announcement and moving this much-needed regional personal care project forward.”
“On behalf of Lac du Bonnet, regional seniors, their families and residents of the region, I thank and salute Premier Kinew and Minister Asagwara for making this uplifting and life-changing announcement,” said Mayor Ken Lodge, Town of Lac du Bonnet. “The construction of a new personal care home has long been desired. Due to the work of many and the commitment of our new government, the desire and need of our senior community and families has culminated in this announcement.”
The total project cost is currently estimated at $66.4 million including construction, design, equipment, furnishings, net taxes and interim financing costs.
“Forward thinking elected leaders and community members of the Town and Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet have established a vision and we are grateful for their perseverance,” said Marion Ellis, CEO, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. “We thank Premier Kinew and Minister Asagwara for their commitment to this project that will help to address the significant need for personal care home beds that exist in the region.”
Completion of the project is currently targeted for 2027, noted the minister.
