Premier Brian Pallister paid a visit to Portage la Prairie on Monday and made a major announcement that a new two-story hospital will be built here that will be twice the size of the current facility.

He commented on the many familiar faces and municipal officials with whom he's worked in the past in the city, including former Mayor Ken Brennan, Mayor Irvine Ferris, and Reeve Kam Blight, who were all in attendance, along with members of their councils. Among the $812 million, the largest commitment capital investment for healthcare in the history of Manitoba that is funding this and 36 other projects to build a better provincial healthcare network, $283 million is allotted for our facility.

The premier commented on his personal history with the current hospital, as well as that of others.

"It's not just a building," noted Pallister. "It's where we have so many emotions. There are so many things that have happened in that building. I held my grandfather's hand when he passed. I watched my wife give birth to a breech-baby. You guys know that's interesting. there are lots of memories of comings and goings of various kinds. It's always emotional with healthcare. We've said our goodbyes and we said our hellos. Ian Wishart said hello to a new niece. Blaine Pedersen said hello to a new hip. All three of us are 67 years-old, and it might seem funny to say for three 67-year-old fellows that have represented this area for a lot of years, but sometimes it's time to move on, even when you're only 65. This building's moving on, And we're building a new hospital in Portage la Prairie. $283 million is the estimated investment."

He notes the facility will be at least double the size of the current one.

"It will meet the needs of our most rapidly growing health region," continues Pallister. "This new, modern facility is going to offer more. It's going to have more inpatient beds, it will have expanded medical and surgical capacity, and it will have an improved emergency department to serve Portage la Prairie and many Southern Health-Santé Sud and First Nations communities, as well. The significant investment for a new facility will not only replace the existing hospital with a modern one, but it will also offer new and additional services as well. This is very important because we are a growing region."

Pallister commented on the region's stagnant growth since the 1930 census, noting all of that is changing with the current economic boom.

"And we need health facilities to match that growth as our people need that care," says Pallister. "And it's also important to understand that when you need health care, you don't need an extra trip. And for folks to have to travel to Winnipeg or other centres to get care, it's an added stress on a family and on the resources they have -- time being one of them. But the emotional resources and mental health of people matter as well. And so, having additional services closer to home is incredibly important and beneficial."

He noted the work accomplished by the hospital foundation. mentioning board chair Dale Lyle.

"A special thank you because that foundation is a key part through its tireless efforts of advancing the critical work of improving health care and improving the lives of the wonderful people who live in this community in this area," says Pallister. "I grew up in Portage and I know how much the people of this community have to offer to one another, as you have throughout your history. Health care is no different. Today's announcement of this new hospital is because of the hard work of so many of you. You've made this possible. Thank you."

He noted that the project will better enable access and quality of care to the citizens of this area and beyond.

Construction of the new hospital is expected to be complete in 2025.