Manoir du Lac grand opening this Friday in McLennan

Kevin Laliberte
Smoky River Express

f Residents and dignitaries from throughout the Smoky River region are flocking to McLennan this Friday for a massive grand opening celebration of Integrated Life Care Inc.’s $7-million seniors’ designated assisted living facility – Manoir du Lac. “The grand opening has been a long time coming,” says Brian Stecyk, chairman of the board for the Edmonton-based company, adding that they’re working on “several unique and innovative ideas and concepts for the June 8 celebration.” The formal part of the upcoming event is being held between 2 and 3 p.m. with tours of the facility for the public commencing at 12 noon. The grand opening is expected to attract upwards of 200 people or more, including municipal officials from McLennan and the Smoky River region in addition to Peace Country Health Board chairperson Marvin Moore, vice-president of regional health services Jane Manning, president and chief executive officer Shawn Terlson, representatives of Lakeview Pioneer Society including Chris Jones, Dianne Nielsen, executive director of the Alberta Long Term Care Association, Mary Gerrard (interior designer) as well as Gene Zinyk and Sheldon Fall of Integrated Life Care. Also making a special appearance is Dunvegan-Central Peace MLA Hector Goudreau. “We’ve also invited Peace River Member of Parliament Chris Warkentin and David Hancock, Minister of Health & Wellness for the Government of Alberta,” says Stecyk, who assumes the role of master of ceremonies during the grand opening. The designated assisted living facility – the first of its kind in Alberta to use geothermal energy for efficient heating and cooling purposes – is located along the lakeshore of Kimiwan Lake and provides 70 units. Forty-six of the units fall under the auspices of Peace Country Health through a contract with Integrated Life Care Inc. Twenty units are allocated for continuing, or long-term care purposes with the other 26 units earmarked for supportive assisted living purposes. Designated assisted living residents began moving in last month along with independent living clients. Continuing care residents from the Sacred Heart Health Care Centre are expected to make the transition over to Manoir du Lac in mid to late June.