Construction on a major redevelopment of the emergency department at E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital in Eriksdale is set to begin early in the new year, the province announced last week.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care has awarded the construction-management tender for the $8.6-million project, paving the way for work to start in February. Early preparation — including site setup, minor demolition and safety measures — is expected to begin first, with full construction scheduled to follow later that month.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said the project will modernize the emergency and acute care areas, improve patient flow and create a safer, more functional space for staff and patients.
“People in the Interlake region have been calling for a renewed emergency department that better supports patients, families and front-line staff, and we are proud to be moving that work forward,” Asagwara said in the announcement. “These renovations will improve safety, comfort and flow for patients while giving staff a modern environment to deliver the care they want to provide.”
The redevelopment is designed to increase treatment capacity within the existing footprint while improving privacy, accessibility and safety. Plans include upgraded triage and waiting spaces, modernized inpatient rooms, new family and crisis-intervention areas, expanded staff workspaces and updated technology throughout.
More than 140 community members, including local residents, First Nations health teams and service providers, contributed input through surveys and at an open house held in March 2025.
Candace Blahey, director of health services acute care for the Interlake–Eastern Regional Health Authority, said the local support has been vital in moving the project forward.
“The Eriksdale emergency department redevelopment project offers tangible improvements to patient care, safety, patient flow and the overall patient experience,” Blahey said. “IERHA is grateful for the advocacy efforts from both the community and Eriksdale hospital staff, as well as their planning input and ongoing support for this significant project.”
Officials say the upgrades are expected to strengthen service delivery and support long-term stabilization of emergency care in the region.
