“When we worked on Cherry Creek, there were three phases we were talking about,” Swanson stated. “We worked on Cherry Creek first, but we were always looking to the future. Cherry Creek is full now, there is a waiting list and it is time to move to the second phase.”

Council met with Gord Daman, who had been the consultant for the organization Southwest Seniors Housing, which was responsible for the project, during phase one. He will be working on the new concept. This is planned as a supportive living facility, which would allow people to reside in a setting of relative independence, but with the 24-hour support they need. There are different ways this could be accomplished, perhaps with a few different areas with separate dining facilities. The idea would be to allow seniors in Boissevain to continue to age in the community and not move somewhere else when their needs change.

“We need everyone to know we are moving forward.”

Swanson said the idea would be for it to be built somewhere in the Cherry Creek space, which is located next to Boissevain Health Centre.

Although it is phase two, Swanson said a third phase could be incorporated. A memory care facility for those with dementia was also on the list. This project could include that as a part of it. It would eliminate the need to continue planning in the future.

However, this is all very early, and Swanson said facts such as size and room numbers  are all to be determined. Where they are now is working toward putting together plans. They have a request for proposals out to create a schematic design for this phase. This will give them something more practical to work with, and possibly move into the future with.

“We want someone to come up with an idea, come up with a plan, choose something and go from there,” she explained.

The municipality is fronting $100,000 for this schematic drawing, with the understanding it would be ultimately paid for as a planning cost on an eligible capital expenditure.

Although a ways down the road, Swanson said it is good to get started, as there are quite a number of grants out there for this sort of development.

“It is a perfect time. If it works well, there could be funding for this. This is something we need in our community.”

by PAUL RAYNER
Recorder staff