Subscribe to our daily newsletter
A wide shot showing the entry way and the lounge at the Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)
TREMENDOUS PROGRESS

An exclusive look into the construction of the Rose Garden Hospice

Nov 3, 2022 | 8:00 AM

One of the biggest building projects in Prince Albert is coming together, and those behind the feat can’t believe the progress that has been made.

The Rose Garden Hospice is still under construction, with an anticipated completion date of March 2023.

An exclusive tour of the interior was given on Wednesday afternoon and paNOW was invited to view the construction so far.

When finished, the hospice will feature 10 beds along with lounge areas and a kitchen for families to use. It will also have office spaces for executives and volunteers and a fully functioning staff room.

It will also feature a garage to accompany ambulances and hearses.

A look at one of the rooms under construction in the Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)
The under construction garage at the Rose Garden Hospice (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

For Don Daschuk, who sits on the building committee for the hospice, it’s surreal to see the project coming together.

“I’ve seen this in my mind for 15 years. I tear up every time I come here, it’s just amazing to see. The community got behind it and everybody that we tell about this project, they just get excited about it.”

The interior of the hospice is still under construction with framing and insulation placed in many rooms, and only a few spaces have drywall.

A lot of the boards used in the construction have names from people and organizations in the community. That comes from a major fundraiser held earlier this year where people in the community could buy a 2 x 6 board for the hospice.

That campaign successfully raised $300,000.

A board purchased by the SRPSD Education Centre during a fundraiser for the Hospice. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

While the community support has been great, Daschuk did point out that inflation and additional costs have hit them.

“Costs are going up and that’s always a concern for us. Things come up that we don’t really figure,” he said, adding one of those costs is the installation of a security system. “Security is becoming a big issue now so that’s something we have to look at. We’ve roughed it in so we’re probably going to have some override.”

The Rose Garden Hospice is always looking for more support and donations and anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to contact the hospice at 306-764-ROSE (7673) or to visit their website.

While construction is a bit behind schedule due to last winter’s snowfall, Daschuk said they are still in line to finish construction by March, well within their initial timeline of between a year and 18 months.

The exterior of the Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock

View Comments