Construction is moving ahead on a new long-term care facility for residents of the Meadow Lake area.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) announced $36.6 million towards the 72-bed facility to Binder Construction out of Edmonton. The new facility will see a significant increase in size, from the existing 55-bed Northland Pioneers Lodge. $29.3 million will come from the province, while the remaining $7.3 million will be provided locally.

Construction began in April and with the new funding is expected to be completed by fall of 2021. MLA Jeremy Harrison says people from all over northwest Saskatchewan will benefit from the new long-term care home, and the project will complete the government’s commitment to build 13 long-term care facilities across the province.

The facility is being built on 10 acres of donated land in the RM of Meadow Lake across from the Highway 4 North industrial area.