Committee Chair George Heide introduced the evening before turning over to Boissevain-Morton Head of Council Judy Swanson. Swanson gave a power point on the concept and its history. The committee had its origins in an attempt to replace the aging Westview Lodge, but after discussions with the Province and a community survey, decided to focus on building a new assisted living complex. Assisted living is sort of “next step” for seniors who cannot live completely independently, but do not need full time care. They live in their own suites, with amenities such as meals, housekeeping and laundry. There is 24-hour on-duty staff. It is to be built on land just south of the Boissevain Health Centre, and will be not-for-profit.
As Swanson explained, they took trips to different assisted living complexes around the province to look at what they had to offer. She said they learned something at every stop, especially what they would do differently.
Why Boissevain? Swanson said it is a community where they need an “aging in place” model, so our seniors will not have to leave in order to get the services they need. As well, it is something that could help those outside Boissevain.
“This could serve the needs of Southwest Manitoba,” Swanson said. “This isn’t strictly for Boissevain, we’re hoping that this will attract people from other communities. We want to provide something in a rural setting for everyone.”
The planned complex would have 36 suites, with monthly rent projected at between $2,000 to $2,200.
Swanson said a survey showed business is growing in Boissevain and the assisted living project will also be an economic driver, creating around 20 to 30 jobs, plus other spin-offs. It will be run by a board of directors, and though they are not planning to use municipal money to build it, it will be run under the aegis of Boissevain-Morton.
The projected cost of building the facility is $8 million, with a $2 million fundraising goal. The idea is to have all the donations received by December 2020, but to have all of it pledged by the end of this year.
Arthur-Virden MLA Doyle Piwniuk spoke about his family’s connection to Boissevain – his wife Michelle had been the rec director here in the 1990’s. He also discussed his involvement in a life-lease project in Virden in 1998. He got to know seniors, and he learned that one benefit was it opened up houses in the community for younger people when it was built. His mother-in-law is in a similar facility in Winnipeg and she likes the lifestyle.
Boissevain physician Dr. Meyer Nell endorsed the project. Having lived in town for more than 20 years, he said it was a wonderful community and that the people in attendance should “give themselves a hand”.
“Every doctor who comes to work for me,” Nell stated, “cannot believe how friendly and respectful and gracious people here are.”
He said people in the community needed to ask themselves if this was the kind of place they would like to live. It is not only physical, but also mental. People will not be trapped without company; instead there are social opportunities. It would be a benefit to seniors in Boissevain.
Dustin Mansfield was on hand to discuss different ways of giving and how to save on taxes. The accountant showed different incomes and the impact different levels of donations could have on individuals and corporations. He said that under certain circumstances, donors could claim a credit up to 75%. Mansfield said if a couple is donating, they should claim under one name for better results. There are also donations in-kind of publicly traded securities, and plans for giving from a corporation. There are levels where more of the money actually makes it to the charity and he advised people to check with their accountant before deciding whether to give as an individual or corporation. This presentation was especially important given the high numbers the community is trying to raise for the project.
During the question and answer period, those in attendance asked about employment level, donations and whether or not it would change the elder care in the community. Swanson replied that they will still fight to get a replacement for Westview and Piwniuk said the government is still committed to providing care in the future. If there is more money in the pot than they need, they will use it to drop the rent. Although open for everyone, Boissevain-Morton residents will have priority. Heide said there is a lot of interest from the community and they feel it should fill fairly quickly. There is room to build on in the future. The hope is they can have the $2 million commitment by Christmas in order to move forward. They have around $700,000 right now. If all goes well, sod turning could happen in the spring of 2019.
“Together we can make this happen,” Swanson said, “and together we will make it happen.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff