The decision was made recently to start moving on the project. According to group chair George Heide, everything pointed in that direction.

“All the things we talked about added up to that,” Heide explained. “We talked about it last week and decided to go ahead. All things were leading to the building.”

The group originally started up to replace the aging Westview Lodge and as time went on, it looked as if the future pointed in another direction. For one thing, there were hints from the new provincial government that communities would be better off working together on a regional basis to provide different facilities. A committee was set up for that, while the TMHDG moved ahead on the idea of an assisted living complex, which itself would be the only one in the area. Last spring they put out a survey to gauge interest. In came back positive. As well, there was a regional meeting in town this past November, which backed those results up as well. So they decided to move forward.

“There is the possibility in the future that Westview Lodge might close its doors, and there are people that want that (assisted living) kind of facility in town. We want to keep our seniors in Boissevain, that is what they want and that makes sense.”

An assisted living facility is one where seniors live under one roof, with their own suites. However, meal services are available, which makes it both more convenient and more likely they will eat healthy food. It also gives them company inside the facility, while keeping their own homes for privacy when they want it.

Heide added many seniors in town take advantage of home care services and these types of facilities make their work easier.

The plan is to build a 36-suite building. Heide said they looked at different sizes – both smaller and larger – and found that was the best fit. It will be constructed to possibly add on in the future if that is needed.

They already have a space. It is to be built on the south side of the Boissevain Health Centre, to be connected to that already existing facility.

The estimated cost of the project is in the $6-7 million range. Right now, the committee is looking for volunteers to challenge the community to raise $1.5 million of that, and of course, major donors to contribute. Heide says it sounds like a lot of money, but it is nothing the community cannot handle.

“It is a not-for-profit, community owned building,” Heide explained. “The suites will be leased out, so the more we raise, the lower the cost for those taking out suites. We will take a mortgage out as a community as it is community owned. But the more we get up front, the lower the costs will be.”

As well as working on the fundraising, they have to get drawings made up. Heide hopes they can get the practical work started in the summer of 2018, although he would not commit to a possible completion date.

He said the project would be a great one for the community. Already there is interest from seniors, as well as children thinking it would be a great place for their parents. As it would be the only one in the region, it could draw people from elsewhere. Overall, it is a facility needed in Boissevain.

“We just feel it is right for our community right now. The need is there. Why not give our seniors a better option than going to Brandon or somewhere else? This is their home, their community. It is important to do this for that age group in our community who did so much work. We want to do it for them.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff