Willow Square is set to welcome its first residents later this month.

According to Alberta Health Services, they don’t have an exact date, however, they’ll be opening the doors in late-June.

Construction on the $102 million continuing care centre finished back in January.

It currently has 108 beds with the capacity to add an additional 36.

It’s been designed to provide housing, medical services, and programs to seniors and younger individuals living with disabilities.

These features are making Willow Square the province’s ‘most advanced’ continuing care centre.

Inside Look

The Wood Buffalo Health Advisory council was given a physical tour ahead of its opening.

Todd Hillier, council member, shared his views on the project on social media calling the building ‘gorgeous.’

“The building was designed with ‘destination’ in mind with lots of group space and communal areas,” he said.

“The purpose is to get residents to have activities and not just stay in their rooms all the time. That is key to how the building was designed and constructed with lots of open areas.”

According to Hillier, the group was also shown all updated equipment which they believe will help reduce the number of trips outside of the community for health needs.

He adds the community, not just the residents, will benefit from the new technology.

“There is lots of services that weren’t available in the community being constructed in this building, which means less trips to Edmonton.”

The only negative coming from Hillier, a lack of art.

The WBHAC is planning to meet with local artists to help liven up the centre.