2025 was an exciting and historic year for the Maskwa Medical Center as we moved from planning to action, turning years of preparation into tangible progress. With construction now underway, the center continues its journey toward opening in early 2027, bringing this vital healthcare facility and better access to Northwest Alberta residents.
Key Highlights from 2025:
- Official Signing of the Land Agreement with Northwestern Polytechnic: Building on the progress made in 2024, 2025 marked a major milestone with the official signing of the long-term land agreement on April 21 with Northwestern Polytechnic. This formal confirmation secured the site for the Maskwa Medical Center and established the foundation needed to advance development and construction activities.
- General Contractor Appointed: Following a thorough review of construction bids, the Maskwa Board officially selected a general contractor to lead the construction of the center. Clark Builders brings extensive expertise, a shared vision for delivering a high-quality, sustainable facility, and a commitment to engaging local trades and suppliers, with 70% of work being completed by local contractors.
- Official Groundbreaking Ceremony: On May 20, we celebrated a major milestone with a ceremonial groundbreaking, attended by community leaders, Indigenous representatives, partners and stakeholders. The event included an Indigenous blessing and marked the beginning of the physical transformation of the Maskwa Medical Center from vision to reality.
- Construction Commenced:
Construction officially began on June 2, with site preparation, foundational work, and structural activities underway. The project team is committed to ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety throughout the build.
- Expression of Interest for Facility Space: Following the 2024 release of the Expression of Interest (EOI), the Maskwa Medical Center engaged with organizations interested in occupying space within the facility. Throughout 2025, the team met with several interested parties to understand their needs and potential fit. Currently, the family physician training space and walk-in clinic operated by the U of A Faculty of Family Medicine is actively moving toward the signing of a 25-year lease agreement in December, 2025. While discussions for the remaining spaces are ongoing and expected to conclude by early spring 2026, there is still an opportunity to get involved. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to info@maskwamedical.ca
- Publishing of the 2024/2025 Annual Report: Maskwa published its 2024–2025 Annual Report, providing a comprehensive update on project milestones, financials, community engagement, and the continued progress toward bringing this critical healthcare facility to life.
- Presentations and Outreach: Throughout 2025, the Maskwa Board and project team delivered formal presentations to regional councils, Indigenous communities, community organizations, and partner groups. These sessions provided updates on project progress, funding, and opportunities to get involved, helping stakeholders understand the development of the center and encouraging active participation. We are continuing to educate residents and communities that Maskwa Medical Center Inc is a Not For Profit and Charitable entity and that costs for physician visits are paid for by the Alberta Health Insurance Plan.
- Ongoing Community and Indigenous Engagement: In addition to formal presentations, Maskwa maintained continuous engagement with residents, regional organizations, and Indigenous communities. Through regular updates, feedback sessions, and milestone celebrations, these efforts strengthened relationships and ensured the center reflects the needs and values of all residents, reinforcing our commitment to a transparent, collaborative, and community-driven approach to healthcare.
- Cross-Border Healthcare Advocacy: Throughout 2025, the Maskwa team engaged in discussions with British Columbia representatives and key stakeholders to advocate for improved cross-border healthcare access for residents of NE British Columbia, highlighting the needs of residents on both sides of the border and encouraging collaborative solutions.
- Fundraising Success: Following the official launch of our capital fundraising campaign in February, our 2025 efforts continued to build strong momentum, engaging donors and the business community. Contributions this year moved us notably closer to meeting our capital targets and supporting the long-term success of the project. We remain deeply grateful to all who have generously invested in the health and future of Northwest Alberta and will continue fundraising throughout 2026 to secure the necessary funds for the project’s completion.
