George Heide of Southwest said about a year ago they decided to try and involve Western Archrib in the design of the building as they have a lot of experience in building beautiful structures. They are working with head contractor Gordon Turner on designing the front entrance as well as other areas of the building. It is a truss design, which they do a lot of. The design is one of Braybrook’s favourites, one they have done for about 25 years. 

As for the financial end, Braybrook said ownership has come to Boissevain more often in recent times and he has shown them around the community. They see the new development and new commercial buildings, what Goodon’s is doing with Findoors, and everything that is going on in the community, on top of Western Archrib’s planned upgrades, which would bring the total of employees to 73. 

“There is stability and the owners see that.”

The donation will help trigger the matching grant of up to $50,000 from an anonymous donor. Heide said they feel they will reach their $2 million goal. Then they will get their mortgage to help pay the rest of the approximately $8 million cost of the project. They are planning a 35-suite facility, which will have meals and laundry services for seniors who need assistance, but are not ready for full care.

On January 15, Heide said they would be taking names and $1,000 deposits for suites. They will be signing up from Boissevain-Morton first before opening it up to other communities. There has been a community auction and Christmas tree auction to help get the money and excitement up for the project. The Western Archrib gift will help them a great deal.

“People are really stepping up now,” Heide said, “and this donation is great. I think it will be a great facility; it will be affordable to most people. We will be going as hard on recruitment as we did on fundraising. It’s all systems go.”

Construction is to start in the spring of 2020.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff