Recent History – 2002
December 9, 2002, By Jamie Dirom, Daily News Staff
The new Rotary Manor, a facility that’s brighter, more modern and more attractive than its predecessor — a converted office building — was officially opened Friday.
The new $9 million facility features 44 private rooms and is 1,100 sq. metres larger than the old Rotary Manor.
South Peace MLA Blair Lekstrom, who has been involved with the project from both the municipal and provincial sides, said Friday’s grand opening was a great day for the city and the South Peace.
“It’s terrific,” Lekstrom said. “It’s a great feeling to have been involved in the beginning in my previous capacity as mayor, to be part of the provincial government now and be here for the grand opening.
“Having grown up here, I think, adds that much more to it. It’s great, it puts a smile on your face.
“It’s a night and day difference,” he added. “They did the best they could with the facility — it was a much-needed facility, but it’s very different converting an old office building and making it a care facility versus building one from the ground up.
“I just can’t imagine a better setting and a better facility than this.”
Katherine Whittred, Minister of State for Intermediate, Long-term and Home Care was also on hand for the opening.
“I guess for me as a minister, it is very rewarding to see this facility, because it’s such a wonderful example of what we are trying to accomplish in terms of seniors’ care,” Whittred said.
She added that she was particularly pleased that the facility was adjoined with the Southview seniors’ housing complex.
She said that together, the two facilities can cover virtually the entire spectrum of seniors’ needs, and that it will also help get more mileage from kitchen and recreation facilities.
The new manor also includes a $1.46 million kitchen facility, which has a capacity to serve other health facilities to the area. The Ministry of Health contributed 60 per cent of the construction costs for the kitchen, while the Peace River Regional Hospital District provided the remaining portion.
Mayor Wayne Dahlen said the city is fortunate to have the facilities it does, and added that the new Rotary Manor will only make Dawson Creek a more attractive place to live.
“The city is promoting Dawson Creek as a place to retire and a place to live, and I think this facility just adds that quality of life for our seniors and I’m just proud to be the mayor and be here today for this great opening,”
Dahlen added that he was also proud as a Rotarian to see the facility retain the Rotary name.
“This was one of the first facilities that the Rotary Club in this town built,” he said. “They had vision and courage back then and I’m just pleased that we’re part of that.”
Residents at the manor seemed to have mainly good things to say about the new facility.
“I wouldn’t trade it for a million dollars,” said resident Bud Andries.
Said Don Trueman of the difference between the new and old facility: “There’s no comparison, that’s for sure. It’s a beautiful place.”
“We’re lucky to have this.”
The facility replaces the 50-year-old Rotary Manor, which was an office building converted to provide intermediate care. It offers individualized care plans for residents, as some residents are more independent while others require extensive physical care.
This article is taken from the Peace River Block Daily News, Dawson Creek, with the permission of the publisher. The Daily News retains all rights relating to this material. The information in this article is intended solely for research or general interest purposes.