A Request for Proposal to provide much needed renovations and construct a new assisted living facility to provide a higher level of care to keep seniors in the Drumheller Valley is now open for bids.
The new facility will be funded by a $7 million grant by the provincial government to construct a 26 bed Enhanced Assisted Living facility, which will be attached to Hillview Lodge, while renovations to the 500 wing of Sunshine Lodge will be funded by the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation (DDSF).
DDSF board chair and Town of Drumheller Councillor Tom Zariski told the Mail, “By combining the two projects into one (Request for Proposal) and one project, it should save both projects money.”
Work will begin immediately on asbestos abatement of the building, followed by demolition later this year.
“Riverside is a beautiful neighbourhood, and we’ve heard from the residents over many years that they want this building gone,” said Mayor Heather Colberg. “This site has been both an eyesore and a target for vandals. The safety of the seniors next door and the residents in the area has always been a concern for us. I am proud of council and administration for continuing their efforts to make Drumheller the cleanest, friendliest most sought-after community in Alberta!”
In 2016, private developers purchased the former site of the Drumheller Health Centre on Riverside Drive with intention of renovating, rezoning, and reviving into a new business venture. After a survey was conducted on the old building, the development group quickly realized the building would not suit the needs of the potential plans nor budget, leading to the building sitting empty and unattended for
December 12, 1961 - February 15, 2021
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kathy Leonhardt. With family at her side, Kathy passed away peacefully on February 15 after a courageous battle with cancer at the Drumheller Health Centre.
Kathy was born in Drumheller on December 12, 1961 to Lois and Gordon Campbell.
She is survived by her husband Blaine of 36 years, 2 children: Janelle (Geoff) and Josh and 2 grandchildren: Brody and Devin. She is also survived by her brothers and sister: Scott, Crystal and Collin, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Kathy is predeceased by her mother Lois and her father Gordon.
Kathy was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in 1987. She enjoyed time spent with family and friends, gardening, travelling and reading.
The national COVID-19 vaccine shortage continues, and the provincial rollout is at a standstill as remaining vaccine supplies are allocated to ensure a second dose is available to those Albertans who have already received their first dose.
Across the province, 106,254 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered as of Saturday, January 30; more than 16,000 Albertans have been fully immunized with two doses.
An Alberta Health Services (AHS) spokesperson told
the Mail, “As of (Monday, February 1), 12,474 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Central Zone. Of that, 2,413 people have received their first and second doses.”
Central Zone covers a total of 30 hospitals, including the Drumheller Health Centre, across central Alberta. Specific vaccine numbers for the Drumheller region were unavailable.