Pioneer Lodge marked 65 years of serving Lloydminster and area seniors with a celebration on June 14.
The stormy afternoon didn’t stop residents, families, or local leaders from honouring the milestone.
Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young said the event was about more than Alberta or Saskatchewan.
“It isn’t just about Alberta, it’s about a community,” said Young. “We live in the community of Lloydminster and I think recognizing 65 years (of) Pioneer Lodge serving our seniors in the community is important.
“It doesn’t matter which side of the street they were born on or where they have lived. It’s a service that is needed for long-term care.
“So, I think it’s about community more than anything.”
During the event, Michael Diachuk, chair of the Lloydminster Region Housing Group and City of Lloydminster councillor, spoke at length about the feelings in the facility and its future.
“This place is home for a lot of people and it becomes home because they come here wanting to make it their home,” said Diachuck. “It’s like a family and we have the good leadership and staff who work with you and work with families to work our way through that.”
However, he pointed out there is a need for some expansion to the aging facility.
“We need help to get another wing,” said Diachuk, speaking to the crowd of over 100 who came to the celebration. “We are going to need another building and we need governments to step up.”
According to Diachuk, the need isn’t far off as wait lists for care beds continue to grow.
Young confirmed she is bringing the message forward to the Saskatchewan government.
“Oh, absolutely, I’ve continuously advocated for more long-term care services at all levels in our community,” she said, noting it depends on the provincial government’s finances and other priorities.
“I have been advocating. It’s whether or not we’ll get it sooner rather than later.” she said.
Young also noted Pioneer Lodge helped shape Lloydminster’s seniors care from the start.
“I think it was one of the first that provided independent living for seniors. As the years went by, they recognized the need for the different levels of care,” she said.
Pioneer Lodge first opened its doors June 1, 1960. Today, it provides multiple levels of care for seniors on both sides of the border.
“I think just being here (at Pioneer Lodge) and knowing it is a place of love, care and compassion for seniors in our community is important to governments at all levels,” said Young.
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