Emergency Department

The Canmore General Hospital Emergency Department (ED) Renovation Project

We are delighted to share that the fundraising goal for the Emergency Department Renovation Project has been reached, and construction is currently underway.

Project Overview: Enhancing Healthcare for Our Community

The Canmore General Hospital Emergency Department (ED) Renovation Project represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to provide exceptional healthcare services to the residents and visitors of Canmore and the surrounding areas. With an estimated cost of $4.4 million, this transformative endeavour aims to address critical infrastructure needs, enhance patient care experiences, and bolster clinical capabilities to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our growing community. While we have been fortunate to secure $2.2 million in funding from the Provincial Government, the completion of this project relies on investments from our community. 

As a Charge nurse within the emergency department, I am beyond thrilled to hear that we will start renovating our very dated department. We have outgrown our current space and desperately need more treatment spaces for patients as we find our department getting significantly busier.”

— Member of the Canmore Hospital Team, Brett Oud

Enhancing Patient Experience

The renovated ED will prioritize patient comfort, privacy, and dignity. Through strategic redesigns and layout optimizations, patients and their families will benefit from improved treatment spaces, enhanced privacy measures, and streamlined workflows. The goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel respected, empowered, and well-cared-for throughout their healthcare journey.

Addressing Critical Needs:

  • Inadequate infrastructure and outdated facilities

  • Growing patient volumes and increasing demand for emergency services

  • Limited patient privacy and confidentiality

  • Insufficient treatment spaces and workflow inefficiencies

  • Aging equipment and technology

In November 2022, the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation (CAHCF) launched a campaign to raise $2.2 million for the ED renovation project, matching the contribution by Alberta Health Services. By March 2023, the community's overwhelming support, combined with a transformative gift from local residents Lorne and Joyce Heuckroth, propelled the campaign to reach its goal.

"This renovation project will create a nurturing environment where healthcare professionals can deliver life-saving treatments with efficiency and compassion."

- Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

Donor Profile: Lorne & Joyce Heuckroth

In November 2022, the Canmore Hospital Foundation (CHF) launched an ambitious campaign to raise $2.2 million for the ED renovation project. Thanks to overwhelming community support and a transformative gift from local residents Lorne and Joyce Heuckroth, the campaign reached its fundraising goal by March 2023. Lorne and Joyce's generosity and commitment to community health have played a pivotal role in making this project a reality, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and care in our community.

"Every community deserves access to exceptional healthcare, especially during emergencies. The renovation of our local emergency room is a testament to our collective dedication towards building a safer and healthier future for all residents."

- Lorne Heuckroth, Major Donor

Project Phases

The ED renovation project will be carried out in two distinct phases:

Phase 1:

This initial phase, with an estimated cost of $1.0 million, focuses on foundational improvements and infrastructure enhancements. Key components of Phase 1 include the construction of a new medication room, a family room, and a public washroom. Additionally, the existing waiting area will be relocated to optimize patient flow and improve accessibility. Phase 1 will also involve the development of architectural renderings for Phase 2.

Phase 2:

Building upon the groundwork laid in Phase 1, Phase 2 will encompass the remaining upgrades and renovations to the Emergency Department. With an estimated cost of $3.4 million, Phase 2 will involve comprehensive enhancements to treatment spaces, patient care areas, and clinical facilities. From advanced medical technologies to optimized workflow designs, Phase 2 aims to create a state-of-the-art ED that meets the highest standards of patient care and safety.

Project Updates

  • November 2022: CHF initiated the fundraising campaign for the ED renovation project.

  • March 2023: The campaign successfully reached its fundraising goal of $2.2 million, thanks to generous contributions from the community and a transformative gift from Lorne and Joyce Heuckroth.

  • July 6th, 2023: Lorne Heuckroth marked the beginning of the ED project with a ceremonial groundbreaking, celebrating the generosity of all donors and the start of construction.

  • Summer 2023: Construction officially commenced on the ED renovation project, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards revitalizing Canmore General Hospital's emergency care facilities.

  • July, 2024: Phase 1 and 2 of the project were completed and Phase 3, the third and final stage officially began.

  • Projected Completion: Late 2024: The ED renovation project is expected to be completed, ushering in a new era of modern healthcare delivery and patient-centred care in our community.

"Reaching our fundraising goal could not have happened without the community engagement from every person and organization who donated to our campaign."

- Steven Scott, Board Chair of Canmore Hospital Foundation

Press and Updates

Stay tuned for ongoing updates and milestones regarding the Emergency Department Renovation Project. For press inquiries or to receive project updates, please contact us.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, supporters, and partners for their unwavering commitment to improving healthcare services in our community. Together, we are shaping a healthier future for all.

Planning work begins on $4.4-million project for Canmore General Hospital - Rocky Mountain Outlook

Construction Begins on Canmore Emergency Department – Alberta Health Services

Design begins on $4.4M Canmore General Hospital emergency department upgrades – Alberta Health Services

Canmore General Hospital Emergency Department Renovation - ACI-ARC

Design work underway for Canmore's new emergency department – CTV News

Patient privacy, infection control on list of Canmore emergency department renos – Global News

Canmore General Hospital meets fundraising goal to upgrade emergency department – Global News

Photos: Canmore General Hospital begin work on emergency department enhancements

Make a Difference  

If you’d like to contribute to monumental, history-making projects like these, donate to the Canmore Hospital Foundation’s Campaigns Fund.