This summer, the Towns of Eastend and Shaunavon are teaming up for an exciting regional marketing campaign to spotlight the incredible festivals happening in our corner of Southwest Saskatchewan!!...
On Friday, May 30, the Town of Shaunavon and surrounding RM Councils welcomed the Honourable Lori Carr, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health, along with MLA Doug Steele, for a visit centered on rural healthcare, emergency services, and to celebrate Shaunavon's recognition of becoming an Age Friendly Community! The hospital visit was led by Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) leadership and local management, who guided Minister Carr through the Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre, Long-Term Care wing, and the EMS ambulance hangar. The Minister was there to see the facility first-hand and to hear directly from front-line healthcare staff about both the successes and challenges facing rural healthcare delivery.
A key focus of the tour was the new Point of Care testing (POCT) unit—an initiative strongly advocated for by the Southwest Regional Ambulance Committee, which includes the Town of Shaunavon, Town of Eastend, and the RMs of White Valley No. 49, Grassy Creek No. 78, Arlington No. 79, and Bone Creek No. 108. The committee has worked collaboratively to bring this diagnostic tool to Shaunavon in an effort to reduce service disruptions and enhance care delivery. Hospital staff are currently completing training on the unit, which complements the virtual physician system and strengthens on-site support. Discussions were also focused on recruitment and retention strategies for local EMS personnel. The Southwest Regional Ambulance Committee is in the process of developing incentive bursaries and training opportunities to support the retention and recruitment for EMR and EMS staff in Shaunavon and Eastend.
The visit concluded with a celebration of Shaunavon’s official designation as an Age-Friendly Community. The ceremony, held at the Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre, featured remarks from Minister Carr, Mayor Cal Vance, members of Age Friendly Saskatchewan committee, and members of the Age Friendly Shaunavon Committee. Special guests included Linda Pratt, Chair of the Age-Friendly Saskatchewan Committee; Holly Schick, Executive Director of Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM); and Linda Anderson, Communications and Ageism Staff at SSM. A special moment during the event was a tribute to the late Kim Anderson, who was instrumental in driving Shaunavon’s journey toward Age-Friendly designation. Her dedication, leadership, and passion for creating a community where older adults feel supported and included were fondly remembered and recognized by the committee and attendees.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful day. The Town of Shaunavon remains committed to advocating for sustainable healthcare services and fostering a community where all ages can thrive.