Sod turning held to ceremonially start CMHA building construction project
A sod turning ceremony was hosted on September 13 to officially signal start of construction of the new Canadian Mental Health Association Swift Current branch location.
The sod turning marked the latest step towards a new home for the local CMHA, a project which has been on the drawing board for over a decade. The CMHA has operated out of their current location at 176 4th Ave. N.W. for the past 24 years.
“The need for a new facility at our local branch here has been growing over the years. Some days that need can be more evident, but it always exists. There are times where our social, recreational, vocational, peer support programs and meal programs are not hindered by our older and smaller facility. Unfortunately, due to what we have, we need to make changes to our programs,” explained new branch Executive Director Todd Vallee.
“Accessibility is another issue. The new facility will be all be on one level and that’s going to make it so that there are no barriers for those with mobility issues.”
“Today we take another step forward in making sure we can provide the programs and programming we need to in a space welcoming for all.”
The new location will be situated on a new double lot on 5th Ave. N.E. that they purchased last year. At that time they embarked on a major fundraising drive to continue moving towards their construction beginning total. At that time last summer they had reached the halfway point in their fundraising efforts, with major funding boosts coming from the Durward Seafoot Estate, an IA Financial award, along with contributions from individuals, business and organizations.
The CMHA took a big step closer to turning sod on a new facility after receiving $200,000 in onetime funding from the Saskatchewan Health Authority back on May 7.
“We all know that there has been increased focus on mental health and addictions over the last number of years, and removing any of the stigma that goes with that in providing the supports and services that go along with helping people with those challenges,” Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley said at the recent sod turning.
CMHA Swift Current Board Chair Don Robinson said the sod turning celebration was a long awaited event.
“Our building, our present one has sort of outlived its usefulness,” he admitted. “Our members that use the building deserve something better.”
“We are so thankful to the community, they’s such a giving community, they always step up.
And they’ve made today possible.”
Robinson also noted that back in the spring they put out a request for proposals to only four local contractors.
“Our board early on was adamant that the successful contractor was going to be somebody that was local. Its been the local people that have supported us all along, and we felt that it was important to support the local businesses as well.”
“On top of that, we insisted the successful bidding contractor also use sub trades that were local. And that has happened.”
Bridal Construction began clearing the lot this past Wednesday.
CMHA supporters have a new opportunity to leave a legacy in the new facility. Fundraising through a Donor Legacy
Wall is now underway, with supporters names to be showcased in a high traffic area so their donations will be remembered for years to come. Support categories include $25,000 and up, $10,000 and up, $5,000 and up, plus $500 and up. Donations, which will help complete the finishing touches on the facility, can be made through swiftcurrent.cmha.ca or in person at the CMHA.