Construction has begun on the new Rocky Mountain House Health Centre.

The Government of Alberta offered the update this week, saying residents will soon have better access to health care.

The centre’s expansion includes a new operating room, additional recovery rooms, and new patient support areas.

“It’s an honour to lead the construction on a building that will have a significant impact on the people of Rocky Mountain House and surrounding area,” says Nicholas Milliken, Minister of Infrastructure. “This health centre extension and other projects like this demonstrate our commitment to creating jobs and building stronger, healthier communities across the province.”

Adding the operating room will double the surgery capacity there, the province says.

“Lowering surgical wait times and increasing access to health care in Rocky Mountain House will help strengthen our community,” says Debbie Baich, Mayor. “I would like to express my gratitude to the provincial government for this long-needed improvement.”

Construction is expected to be complete in spring 2024, and will support about 80 jobs in construction and the trades.