Marina Mitchell and Don Daschuk officially break ground at the site of the Rose Garden Hospice. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Years in the making

‘A dream come true’: Rose Garden Hospice breaks ground

Jul 16, 2021 | 3:49 PM

A 14-year-old plan is coming to fruition as the Rose Garden Hospice officially broke ground at the site where the future Prince Albert care facility will stand.

An emotional Marina Mitchell and her father Don Daschuk, who are both board members, thanked everyone who has been involved over the years during a ceremony Friday morning.

When speaking with paNOW Mitchell said they are overwhelmed with joy and excitement.

“This is literally a dream come true,” Mitchell said.

An emotional Marina Mitchell thanks everyone involved in their journey during a ceremony on Friday. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

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Since 2008 they’ve hit many milestones including the land donation, and the province supplying operational funding, which will be $2 million per year.

She explained they wanted to reach at least half of their fundraising goal before beginning construction and they’ve well exceeded that. They only have $1.1 million of their $4 million goal left to raise.

“It’s just going to give people another option and an option that we need in this city and the surrounding communities,” she said.

What comes next is the beginning of construction and the hospice will continue to fundraise to reach their goal.

“This project has been a long time coming and we’ve persevered, we didn’t stop, and it’s just great to see all the support, and the continued support we have is amazing,” Mitchell said.

Once operational the Rose Garden Hospice will also be tax exempt, according to Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne.

Dan Yungwirth with Miller Contracting said construction will begin within the next month, with an anticipated completion date of 12-14 months.

“All the sub-trade and suppliers, the vast majority of material and labour will be local from Prince Albert. I think the farthest material, the piles, are coming from Saskatoon but other than that everything is from Prince Albert. It’s just a great thing for the local construction industry to be a part of,” he said.

Andrew McLetchie, vice-president of integrated northern health for the Saskatchewan Health Authority told paNOW what their role regarding the hospice is. With funding from the Ministry of Health, the SHA will contract for the operational services with the hospice ensuring they’re having annual conversations about if the funding they’re receiving is appropriate to meet their needs. They will also provide them with supports such as home care and primary care health services.

Currently there are two other hospices within the province with the Rose Garden Hospice set to be third. McLetchie said hospice’s allow people who may not need to be in a hospital in end-of-life care a safe place with supports that’s open for the family.

“It’s incredible to see the donations and the volunteers that have been put into this… This is something that people are passionate about and should be passionate about,” he said. “It’s going to provide a significant service to the people of P.A. and area. And I think that generosity of spirit that’s there in terms of donations I think is really fantastic to see.”

MLA Joe Hargrave at the official ground breaking at the Rose Garden Hospice. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

MLA for Prince Albert Carlton Joe Hargrave said it’s an exciting day for the board and for him personally.

“I’m very proud, very happy to see this going. This is probably one of the highlights of my political career to get this done,” Hargrave said.

He explained there is a need for hospices in the province and said he’s been approached by other communities asking for help in getting a hospice off the ground.

Both of Hargrave’s parents passed away in a hospice in Prince George, B.C. and he said the care his family received was important.

“The staff that work in a hospice care – and not that staff in a hospital don’t care because they do – but these are a special kind. It takes a special kind of person to deal with people that are just about to pass away,” he said.

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Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12