A major step forward in local health care is about to take place, as Maskwa Medical prepares to break ground on a new medical facility designed to bring improved access to specialists and family physicians in Northwest Alberta.

The Maskwa Medical Center will officially begin construction in early June following a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. The event will take place at the future home of the center, located next to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, and is open to the public.

This project is being celebrated as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to improve health outcomes and reduce wait times for medical services in the region. The facility is expected to bring much-needed access to specialists for residents who currently face long delays or travel far distances to see specialists.

Ken Drysdale, Chairman of the Maskwa Medical Center Board, says the project has been years in the making and represents more than just bricks and mortar.

“This center with the main floor tenant being the University of Alberta Family Physician residency program along with other healthcare tenants on the second level and the specialist clinic on the third floor represent a significant step forward in ensuring the residents of Northwest Alberta have better access to family physicians and specialists closer to home,” Drysdale said. “We’re excited to break ground on a facility that reflects the strength, resilience, and health priorities of our region.”

The development of the Maskwa Medical Center is being funded through community donations and fundraising efforts across the region. As a registered charity, the organization is encouraging contributions from individuals, businesses, municipalities and the province.

Donations can be made directly through the Maskwa Medical Center website HERE or through the Northwestern Alberta Foundation, and tax receipts are available for all donations.

With the groundbreaking event just around the corner, excitement is building among local leaders and residents alike. This center is expected to enhance Grande Prairie’s role as a regional health hub and ensure more timely, local access to family physicians and specialists in the years ahead.