By Angela Brown

Province determining future of old Sask. Hospital

Aug 30, 2018 | 12:00 PM

The future of the old Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford is now in the province’s hands.

The province held an information session in North Battleford Wednesday to show some of its tentative plans in the works for the original Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford once the new replacement hospital is open.

The public also had an opportunity to provide input which the province will consider in its future decision-making.

Nancy Cherney, assistant deputy minister with the province’s Ministry of Central Services, property management division, said many people have a great deal of interest in the old site.

“There’s a lot of history,” she said Wednesday, adding that people want to know what’s happening to the hospital, built in 1914.

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Cherney said the province doesn’t have any use for the old hospital building and hopes to sell the property. If it can’t find a buyer, the province will be looking at the possibility of demolishing the site, which is in poor condition. The province has a number of concerns including asbestos and mould in the building, unrepaired damage from a major fire in the 1970s, failing heating and cooling systems, and damage to the building smokestack.

She said the main building has “exceeded its lifespan.”

“That is part of the reason why there is a new hospital being constructed,” she said.

Cherney said by spring or summer 2019 the province will finalize its plan for the long-term future of the old facility.

Saving heritage features

The province has already committed to saving some iconic historic features from the old site including the Stone Chapel, built by hand by one of the former residents, and the Veterans’ Cenotaph and spruce trees planted in their honour, identified by the province’s ministry concerned with heritage.

The Battlefords North West Historical Society had proposed saving the front facade of the old hospital and incorporating it into a heritage project. However, Cherney said that could be an expensive project. She said another concern is that the facade would need to be stable, secure and safe. She suggested instead perhaps salvaging some keystones or the cornerstone of the building as another option.

Cherney said the building’s old smokestack will need to be removed since the interior of the structure is significantly damaged.

Jane Shury, chair of the Save The Saskatchewan Hospital committee with the Battlefords North West Historical Society, said the society proposed salvaging the facade and incorporating it into a walking path that would recognize the history and progress of mental health care offered through the Sask Hospital over the years.

“Being historically-minded, we certainly have reason to push to keep some part of our heritage and our history as far as mental health is concerned,” she said.  

In addition to feedback about the old Saskatchewan Hospital’s future gathered at the two open house sessions, the province is also inviting people to send their ideas by email to SHNBinfo@gov.sk.ca. The province said it will consider all feedback while making its decisions on the old hospital building and grounds going forward. 

Angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 12:27 p.m. to add more information and provide clarity.