Saskatchewan to Open Innovative Wellness Centre by Early 2027

A new wellness centre is set to open in Saskatoon, located at the site of the former Pleasant Hill School, which closed in 2023. This innovative facility, scheduled to debut in early 2027, will be Saskatchewan’s first wellness centre of its kind, featuring a state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine alongside the city’s first urgent care centre.

Jay Ahenakew Funk, CEO of Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments, expressed enthusiasm about the cutting-edge medical equipment that will be available at the centre. “In that imaging clinic, we have state of the art, the most newest equipment Canon has in Saskatchewan. So we’re excited about that. That’s an MRI, and then also ultrasound, CT scans,” Funk stated. The addition of a pharmacy will further enhance the services offered at the facility.

The development of the wellness centre is a collaborative effort with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT), which will assist in staffing the centre. Positions will include X-ray technicians, mental health and addiction counsellors, and an elder’s program, reflecting a comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing.

Funk highlighted the significance of this project for the local community. “It’s well needed. And being from the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and representing our people, I think it’s important that the province and us as First Nations come together and put something together that’s going to be rewarding for everyone,” he commented.

The placement of the wellness centre adjacent to an urgent care facility is designed to promote collaboration between the two care teams, allowing for a more integrated approach to patient care. Funk added, “With the wellness centre, I think making sure that the programs go hand-in-hand with the urgent care, and then obviously we can help each other out. So, it’s crucial, actually. It’s an important step, being close to urgent care.”

To address parking needs in the area, the wellness centre will feature a 150-stall parkade, an essential amenity given the expected influx of patients and visitors. The urgent care facility is currently at 70 percent completion, with both the urgent care and wellness centre anticipated to be fully operational by the beginning of 2027.

This ambitious project, estimated at $50 million, aims to alleviate wait times for medical services in Saskatchewan by providing equipment typically found only in hospitals. The incorporation of advanced imaging technology and comprehensive wellness services positions this centre as a crucial addition to the province’s healthcare landscape.

As the opening date approaches, local residents and healthcare professionals alike are eager to see how this initiative will enhance access to quality care in the region.