Town of Sundre officials recently received confirmation from Alberta Health Services that a new hospital is on a list of potential long-term projects.
"A new hospital for Sundre is identified on AHS' list of potential future capital projects," wrote Verna Yiu, AHS president and CEO, in response to inquiry submitted by the municipality.
Director of planning and operational services Angie Lucas had previously written Yiu before the new year seeking clarification on available details.
"Some years ago, there was a list of future hospitals to be built in Alberta, and Sundre was on that list. However, I am told that this list no longer exists," she wrote.
This lack of information has made it challenging for several developers who are planning projects in Sundre since they do not know the extent and type of medical services that will be available in the future. That knowledge would allow developers to determine what type of current and future residential development is required for the town and surrounding area, she said.
However, although AHS has included Sundre on a list to potentially build a new hospital in the long term ó a time frame that is considered to be at least 10 years away ó Yiu added that does not necessarily imply that funding has been, or will be, committed to the project. Every year, AHS reviews a document that identifies its top priority, major capital projects to provide the government with information that helps to guide funding decisions.
Meanwhile, the provincial health authority has in the last few years invested about $1.6 million in infrastructure at the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre, she said.
"This has been used for roof replacement, installation of a new building control system, lab renovations and other projects to ensure the building continues to meet the needs of area residents."
