The government of Saskatchewan is investing more than $80 million in the construction and maintenance of long-term care facilities across the province.

$73 million of the funds are earmarked for new long-term care facilities in Grenfell and La Ronge while more than $7.2 million will be applied to 82 renewal projects for 51 of the province’s long-term care facilities, to be conducted in 2020 and 2021.

“Our government is taking action to meet the need for long-term care services in rural and northern areas,” said Warren Kaeding, Rural and Remote Health Minister, in a statement. “We kept our promise to build 13 new long-term care facilities across the province, with the final facility now under construction in Meadow Lake. These new investments reaffirm our commitment to Saskatchewan seniors.”

Previously, $18.7 million in funding was provided in the 2020-21 budget. The government has since given approval on the two new long-term care facilities, including a replacement of Grenfell Pioneer Home and a replacement of La Ronge’s current facility. These new investments are in addition to the $15.7 million provided in the 2020-21 budget to continue the construction of a new 72-bed long-term care facility in Meadow Lake.

The 82 renewal projects receiving funding will improve 51 of the province’s operational long-term care facilities, including flooring and window replacements, heating and air conditioning upgrades, and water and sewer line replacement. This investment is in addition to the funds available through the 2020-21 Life/Safety and Emergency Infrastructure grant which supports maintenance in these healthcare facilities, to a total of approximately $24 million.