The Manitoba government announced on February 1st that they're progressing toward providing $280-million for fire and life safety at personal care homes, such as Lions Prairie Manor, as well as hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon and Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston made the announcement and say all of these facilities will have either full or partial sprinkler systems installed over the next six to eight years. While the pandemic caused delays in the installation, progress continues to be made.

"These fire and life safety upgrades highlight our government’s commitment to doing all we can to keep all Manitobans and especially vulnerable populations safe from harm – even when undertakings require significant effort and resources," Gordon says. "We are truly pleased to be making significant progress on this important project."

Shared Health signed an agreement with an engineering firm to help manage upgrades in 2021. The group, known as Project Engineering and Management Services (PEMS), was brought together following a fire at a seniors’ residence in L’Isle-Verte, Quebec.

""Vulnerable Manitobans and their loved ones rightfully want to know that we are providing them with the highest level of safety we can," notes Johnston. "While the measures already in place offer substantial protection, we are committed to moving forward with improvements that will enhance safety and minimize risk for residents, patients, staff and visitors across Manitoba."

For the full press release from the province of Manitoba, click here.