Continuing care centre opens its doors
2021-06-25

The Willow Square Continuing Care Centre is the newest and most modern complex of its kind in the province, and built to include natural light, pathways and gardens. There are 108 single, private continuing care rooms for supportive living. All resident rooms are private with accessible bathrooms with individual zero-threshold showers.

Thirty-nine continuing care residents from the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre’s long-term care unit are the first to move into Willow Square. Other residents will move in over the coming weeks.

“The grand opening of Willow Square is significant for the community of Fort McMurray and is worth celebrating. This modern centre will provide excellent quality of life and greater access to care for seniors in the region. This underscores our commitment to expand services to seniors across the province and to provide resident-focused care when and where they need it.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

“I am pleased that Willow Square is officially open and residents are moving into their new home. This is a long-awaited, momentous day for seniors and vulnerable Albertans in Fort McMurray. It is also an important day for families, knowing their loved ones will receive high-quality care in the heart of the community.”

Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health

“Despite nature throwing everything it had at this project, I am pleased that the people of Fort McMurray are finally able to open the doors of the Willow Square Continuing Care Centre – the best and most modern facility of its kind in all of Alberta.”

Prasad Panda, Minister of Infrastructure

“Alberta Health Services looks forward to welcoming residents and their families to Willow Square. This much-anticipated new continuing care facility provides a safe and comfortable space where residents can age in place in the community they care about. We know Willow Square will help meet the current and future community needs in the Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo region.”

Dr. Verna Yiu, president and CEO, Alberta Health Services

Quick facts

  • This state-of-the-art facility cost $102 million and was completed under budget.
  • Willow Square, located at 6 Hospital Street, opened its doors to residents on June 23. This new Alberta Health Services continuing care facility offers:
    • 108 single, private occupant rooms, including 36 for long-term care and palliative care, and 72 for supportive living.
    • An additional 36 spaces on the third floor are shelled for future development to address future capacity.
    • 24-hour monitoring, security, meals, housekeeping and array of activities for its residents.
    • Common areas for residents to enjoy opportunities with loved ones, including a library, café, chapel, multi-purpose rooms and courtyards.
    • Support and personal care areas, including a hair salon, sensory room and rehabilitation therapy rooms.
  • Alberta Health Services is currently in the planning stages to repurpose the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre’s former continuing care space.