Editor’s note: The following joint media release was distributed Apr.19 after Madawaska Valley Council at its Regular Council Meeting today passed By-law 2022-41 which authorized the Township to enter into and execute a Tripartite Agreement with Bronis Ronald Shalla and Alice Shalla, St. Francis Memorial Hospital Association, and Valley Manor Inc.
The purchase of a 26-acre parcel of land adjacent to St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH) and the redevelopment site for Valley Manor will protect the property for the future. While there are no plans for it at present, acquiring the land will ensure it is available for uses that will benefit patients, long-term care residents, families, staff and physicians, noted Julia Boudreau, SFMH CEO.
“We’re very thankful to the Shalla family for giving us the chance to make this investment in the future,” said Boudreau, adding, “It was very important to our organizations and to the community to take advantage of the opportunity when it was available and collaboration was key.”
Valley Manor received approval from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to build a new, 96-bed facility next to SFMH in line with the health care hub vision. “Valley Manor and the Municipality worked together to secure the old Sherwood Public school property for the future development of Valley Manor. The recent support between the Municipality and its healthcare partners is another example of the ongoing collaboration between all parties to ensure excellent health care for all, now and into the future” said Trisha DesLaurier, Valley Manor CEO.
Among the groups involved in making the land transaction happen, Council for the Township of Madawaska Valley agreed with the long-term vision and strategy for the future of local health care and provided strong support for this joint initiative and purchase.
“The Township of Madawaska Valley is pleased to play a role in this venture and help to secure the future of health care services for the residents of Barry’s Bay and area,” said Suzanne Klatt, CAO, Madawaska Valley.
In addition to the Shalla family, individuals and organizations who were instrumental in completing this initiative include Dr. Joe Cybulski, who brought forward the need for additional land and support, Robert Howe, who provided legal counsel, and the SFMH and Valley Manor Boards of Directors for their vision of the future of health care in Barry’s Bay and surrounding area. Silas Lorbetski, Manager of Planning Development and Licensing for the township, and Tim Sonnenburg, Vice President of Financial Services at SFMH also played pivotal roles.
“We would like to thank all of the parties involved in making this transaction happen. It would have been quite challenging individually, but working together allowed us to proceed,” stated Boudreau. “We hope that the community will join in our excitement about the possibilities that this land purchase holds for the future,” added DesLaurier.
Boudreau,J.,St.Francis Memorial Hospital; Klatt,S.,Township of Madawaska Valley; DesLaurier,T.,Valley Manor Long Term Care(2022,Apr.19) Joint effort ensures future opportunities for SFMH and Valley Manor Inc. [media release]
VERY good news !!!