This release was issued under a previous government.

“The people of Fort McMurray have been clear that they believe the Willow Square site will give seniors access to the supports and care they need, and they are willing to share additional costs and take the time to adjust plans for the new location. This government has said it will listen to Albertans, and we are doing that by partnering with the community to give seniors who will call this facility home the best care possible.”

Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health and Minister of Seniors

“Willow Square was the very first item I raised with the Premier upon her election and I am delighted that the Premier took the concerns of our community seriously. Building an aging-in-place facility in the heart of Fort McMurray is the right decision. I also commend the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for their financial contributions to this project.”

Brian Jean, MLA, Fort McMurray-Conklin

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has committed more than $10 million to the Willow Square project. Concerns about Parsons Creek included the distance of the site from essential supports and services, and the community’s vision for a centrally located aging-in-place facility.

“Delivering a continuing care facility for our seniors at Willow Square is a top priority for our community. We are thrilled by this announcement and look forward to working in partnership with the Province and our seniors to develop Willow Square in a way that puts our seniors first.”

Melissa Blake, Mayor, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Costs for the Willow Square facility, which will be a multi-storey building, will be released when the final scope of the project is set and tendering has taken place. The budget for Willow Square will be higher due to site considerations and the need for flood mitigation. The new facility will take approximately four years to complete, including consultation with stakeholders, design of the facility, the permitting process, tendering the contract and construction.

In a community central to Alberta’s economy, the Parsons Creek land is an asset that the government will be looking at for future development.