A major medical professional complex proposed for a site next to Stettler Hospital and Care Centre will have to find another location.
At its regular meeting Jan. 19, Town of Stettler council was informed in a letter from Drumheller-Stettler MLA Jack Hayden that Alberta Health Services will not allow the project at the hospital site.
“We will meet with the developer to find out what their plans are,” said Mayor Dick Richards.
“Our council strongly supports the concept of this proposed project and believes it will follow the model and mandate that Alberta Health Services is focusing on the province’s wish to keep citizens in their home and home community as long as possible,” said town Mayor Dick Richards.
A project to develop a medical professional centre is a strategic priority under social initiatives in the municipal sustainability plan the town finalized last summer.
Plans for a new medical professional centre combined with a multi-level care residence apartment were presented last fall by project developer HC Limited Partnership Group (HCLP) representative, HC Living LifeWell chief financial officer Gord Duff to town and county councils and other community partners.
“HCLP was made aware by Alberta Health Services that they would not release the land as they (AHS) are looking to use the grounds at some time in the future,” Hayden stated in the letter dated Jan. 12, 2010.
“I sincerely hope that the town will be successful in finding another location should they continue with plans for a proposed professional building and mixed housing development in Stettler.”
Initially proposed for land on the northeast corner of the hospital site, the first-class complex has been planned for to enhance staff, services, and facilities and to help recruit physicians.
This project is designed to help meet rural health needs with the four pillars that promote doctor recruitment and retention; seniors retiring with dignity in their home community; development of a health campus and community ownership and support.
HCLP Group is consulting with local physicians in the two current clinics to work out lease issues and develop the project to meet the needs of medical staff and residents.
“We were assured by HCLP that there is a definite timeline in place for the project that could be feasibly completed in two years,” said Mayor Richards.