Contractors will be taking advantage of the fall weather in Cabri as they begin to install a storm system on the grounds of the Prairie Health Care Centre (PHCC). The infrastructure project had been identified as a priority by the Cypress Health Region and will address a series of drainage issues on the facility’s property.

With the past years’ higher amounts of ground water in the southwest from rain and snow, it was identified that the clay-based grounds at the PHCC were maintaining their saturation levels and were not appropriately drying. This was creating a situation where the water was not draining appropriately.

The health region sought the advice of an engineering firm to determine available options to address the issues and have been in consultation with the Town of Cabri to ensure that the plan of action was appropriate with the community’s drainage design. The approved project will include excavation around the exterior perimeter of the facility on three sides, installation of weeping tiles, aggregate material distribution around the perimeter, installation of three collection basins in the rear of the property, and improvements to the water drainage flows away from the building.

The project will see an investment of approximately $400,000 to the facility’s property and will be funded by the health region’s capital budget allotment from the Ministry of Health that targets infrastructure improvement projects such as these. The on-site work will not affect any access to the long term care, health centre, and community based programs and services inside the building.

“We are excited about the project and the benefits that it will offer our residents, families, and staff,” commented Denise Levorson, Health Services Manager for the Prairie Health Centre. “Our back deck and courtyard areas will be able to be better utilized for outside activities and our residents will be able to enjoy the beautiful views available, in an enhanced safe and secure environment.”

Heavy equipment and crews began their on-site efforts on October 21 and will continue as long as the fall weather is appropriate to continue with their current process. The objectives for fall work include the weeping tile, aggregate distribution, and catch basin storm system set up. The anticipated completion is late spring or early summer 2015 and will include the completion of the fall work, paving, concrete, landscaping, sod and sprinkler installation.

The health region would like to extend its appreciation to the long term care residents and staff of the Prairie Health Centre for their patience and understanding during the construction period.