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The Pleasant Hill School, which closed, is being transformed into a pioneering wellness centre in Saskatoon. This facility will house the city’s first urgent care centre and the first wellness centre of its kind in Saskatchewan, featuring an MRI machine and other essential medical imaging technologies.
Jay Ahenakew Funk, the CEO of Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments, expressed enthusiasm for the project. He highlighted the state-of-the-art medical equipment that will be available at the imaging clinic, including the MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans, alongside a fully operational pharmacy.
Collaboration and community impact
With Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments managing the site, Funk emphasized the importance of collaboration between the province and First Nations. Their joint efforts aim to create a facility that benefits everyone in the community. “It’s crucial for us, especially as representatives of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, to lead by example and provide accessible healthcare for all residents of Saskatchewan,” he stated.
Staffing and services
To ensure quality care, the wellness centre plans to partner with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology to recruit skilled professionals, including X-ray technicians, mental health and addiction counsellors, and an elder’s program. Funk noted the importance of integrating these services within the community, as many individuals in the area are of First Nations descent.
The wellness centre’s proximity to the urgent care facility will foster collaboration between the two healthcare teams, enhancing patient care. Funk remarked, “Having these two facilities side by side will allow us to coordinate better and ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.”
A well-designed facility
The wellness centre will also feature a 150-stall parkade, addressing parking concerns in the area. Funk pointed out that the demand for parking solutions is significant, and the new parkade will facilitate easier access for patients visiting the facility.
The total investment for this ambitious project is estimated at $50 million. This investment aims to alleviate wait times for patients in Saskatchewan by providing advanced medical equipment typically found in hospitals. The urgent care centre is currently 70% complete, with both facilities expected to begin operations in early 2027.
Historical significance
The transformation of Pleasant Hill School, a building with over 98 years of history, into a health and wellness centre marks a significant milestone for the community. City officials, including Funk, have expressed enthusiasm for preserving the building’s heritage while repurposing it for modern healthcare needs.
As the project progresses, the city council will hold a public hearing to discuss necessary zoning amendments, ensuring that the development aligns with community needs and regulations. The proposed amendments will facilitate the adaptive reuse of the school, enabling it to serve as a hub for medical services.
With the support of local leaders and community organizations, this innovative wellness centre is poised to make a lasting impact on the health landscape of Saskatoon. As Funk stated, “This is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan’s history, and we are excited to bring this vision to reality.”