Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring all Albertans have access to high-quality care when and where they need it, including in remote Alberta communities. The new La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre will provide enhanced access to maternal health and advanced ambulatory care, underscoring the Alberta government’s dedication to meeting the health care needs of communities across the province.
“Every Albertan deserves high-quality health care close to home. This expanded access will ensure Albertans living in La Crete and the surrounding areas will receive timely, exceptional care when they need it most.”
Alberta's government first announced the project in 2021, with planning for the new facility beginning at that time and the design phase being completed in early February of this year. The construction phase of the project will see Alberta’s government invest $80 million over the next three years as part of a total investment of about $86 million for the project.
Designed to meet local needs, the facility will include a birthing centre, midwifery program, advanced ambulatory care and a two-vehicle ambulance bay to improve emergency services. These new services will offer Albertans in the northern community and its surrounding areas more timely and accessible care by improving maternal health, emergency response and overall health care options in the area.
“With shovels going in the ground, northern Albertans in La Crete are looking forward to having their very own maternity and community health centre. I am pleased that we are now entering the construction phase for this new facility within the community, keeping Peace Country a beautiful place to raise a family.”
In addition to the existing public health services, residents will have access to expanded services including pre- and post-natal care on site. This health facility, expected to open in 2027, is the result of a close collaboration with the La Crete community to address its unique health care needs. It will be operated by Covenant Health. As Alberta’s government continues to refocus the health care system, working closely with local leadership will ensure these services are aligned with community priorities.
“This much-needed facility will make a real difference for families in the community, providing essential care closer to home. Its opening can’t come soon enough.”
The centre will also include a laboratory for timely blood testing and storage, as well as diagnostic imaging services, including ultrasound. Dedicated space will also be available for counselling and psychiatrist referrals to support individuals, families and groups.
“This is an exciting milestone for the community of La Crete, surrounding areas and Covenant Health. Guided by our values of compassion, respect and stewardship, we look forward to welcoming and integrating our new employees while providing seamless, high-quality health care for the community.”
Alberta’s government will continue investing in future projects that provide Albertans in rural and remote communities with access to high-quality care, both now and in the future.
Quick facts
- The new facility will provide integrated health services for about 9,200 people living in La Crete and the surrounding areas.
- Covenant Health will assume operations of the existing health facility and continuing care centre by fall 2025.
- Plans for Covenant Health to operate the new health facility were announced in April 2022.
- To foster transparency and dialogue, Covenant Health and Alberta Health Services hosted a town hall for affected staff and La Crete community members on Jan. 30, 2025.
Related information
Related news
- Covenant Health to operate new La Crete health centre (April 3, 2022)
- New maternity, community health centre for La Crete (Aug. 11, 2021)