Cheque Presentation: Left to Right: John Kopeck; Dennis Mozak; Tim Varughese
Marco Levytsky, NP-UN Western Bureau Chief.
St. Michael’s Health Group (SMHG) held a Grand Opening of its new Fenwyck Heights senior citizens complex in Spruce Grove, located 30 kilometres west of Edmonton, June 12.
The $55 million building has 170-unit seniors’ independent senior residence with support services and can accommodate 200 seniors. Planning for Fenwyck Heights started in 2019 based on the need for seniors housing in the region. This was apparent based on current need and waiting lists at SMHG’s Grove Manor Site, also located in Spruce Grove. Construction began September 2021.
SMHG is a healthcare organization founded by members of the Ukrainian community in Edmonton which provides long-term care, supportive housing, programs, and services to the seniors of our community. Incorporated in 1976 under St. Michael’s Extended Care Centre Society, it was originally created to meet an urgent and growing need for nursing care for individuals of various ethnic backgrounds in the Edmonton area.
“For over 45 years, St. Michael’s Health Group has provided compassionate senior care and safe accommodation,” said Mel Snihurowych, Chair of SMHG’s Board of Directors.
“This newest project has been developed with the knowledge and experience we have gained from our long-term care facility in Edmonton, our existing three other supportive living sites, and the four seniors’ housing apartments added in February 2023. With the opening of Fenwyck Heights, we are now supporting and caring for 725 seniors, which we consider an honour,” he added.
Snihurowych said that the Board’s vision is to provide a full continuum of care on this site, and have allocated additional land to add Long-term care, Supportive Care and Dementia Care. They also see the need to offer palliative care and hospice services and are looking to engage community partners on this initiative.
Greetings were delivered by Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, Alberta Minster of Children and Family Services and MLA for Spruce Grove-Stony Plain Searle Turton and Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker.
LaGrange said the government has launched important initiatives that include expanding community and home care and “St. Michael’s Fenwyck Heights is an excellent example of all of this, with its eight choices of living spaces and myriad of on-site amenities.”
“Because it’s not just about finding a place to live, but living life, albeit a new chapter of life, in that space.
“And together with valued partners like St. Michael’s Health Group, we are making these goals realities — whether by supporting Albertans to age in their own homes, or in supportive living and continuing care homes in their communities,” she added.
“I firmly believe that our seniors deserve the best care possible, as many of them have speny their entire lives building up our provinces and contributing to the growth and prosperity that we see now. I have no doubt that this state of the art facility will provide amazing care to each and every senior who steps through the doors,” said Turton.
“This new facility represents more than just bricks and mortar; it symbolizes our collective commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and vibrant environment for our aging residents. Here, they will find a beautiful place to live and a community where they can thrive, stay active, and remain connected,” said Acker.
Ribbon Cutting: Left to Right: Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services; Peter McInnes, Resident; Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health; SMHG Board Chair Mel Snihurowych; Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker; SMHG CEO John Kopeck; Parkland County Mayor Allen Gamble.
Fenwyck resident Brian Leonard said everything about the facility is brilliant. “The staff are brilliant. The cooks are brilliant. The cleaners are brilliant. The servers are brilliant. And all the staff are marvelous. There’s nothing to criticize. And that’s about it.”
Annette Borle, North Region Alternate for the Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association (ASCHA) said “St. Michael’s Health Groups is a valued member of our Association, offering Edmonton and area seniors a variety of options across the full housing and continuing care spectrum. We’ve always applauded St. Michael’s for their focus on ensuring seniors that they are supported across the entire continuum,”
SMHG CEO John Kopeck said “Fenwyck Heights exemplifies our commitment to values of collaboration, innovation, and quality” adding that the facility was built “at a very difficult time during the COVID pandemic and were battling inflation, supply chain issues and escalating interest rates but the group involved “remained focused and committed to working within the overall financing we had in place. I’m extremely proud that through quality design, planning and management we had very few change orders or unanticipated expenses.
“The impact of Fenwyck Heights extends beyond its walls, benefiting the broader community. This site also signifies St. Michael’s commitment to this community as we open our doors for local groups while providing exceptional senior care and setting a new standard for quality living.”
This was followed by a cheque presentation by donors Dennis Mozak, and Tim Varughese from Synergy Group.
Just before the actual ribbon cutting Bishop David Motiuk, Ukrainian Catholic Eparch of Edmonton gave his blessing stating: “The period of old age is a gift that should be received from God woith gratitude. Elderly people have the opportunity to share with us the riches of their experience and their lives. Let us therefore now join them in thanking God and in asking that God will keep high their hopes and strengthen their trust in Him.”
Fenwyck Heights is the first of a three-phase development to provide a full continuum of care. A commercial and residential development will be built on the Northside with amenities supporting Seniors living at Fenwyck Heights.
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