I am writing to share correspondence I recently sent to Premier Wab Kinew, along with the response received from the office of the minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, in the interest of public awareness regarding the urgent need for a new personal care home (PCH) in Stonewall.
On Nov. 13, 2025, a town hall meeting was held in Stonewall to provide information about plans for a new PCH. More than 50 people — the majority of them seniors — attended, reflecting the strong concern within the community.
Stonewall and the surrounding south Interlake region are in urgent need of additional personal care beds. Rosewood Lodge currently has just 50 beds, which is far below what is required for this growing area. At present, the wait time for residents requiring personal care is approximately two years. This is unacceptable.
As a result, residents are being placed in facilities outside the local catchment area, including Fisher Branch, Eriksdale and Selkirk. This separation from family causes significant emotional stress, while travel costs place an additional financial burden on loved ones trying to maintain regular visits.
The situation is further compounded by capacity issues at Stonewall Hospital, which has 10 beds currently occupied by patients requiring personal care but who have nowhere to be placed. This leaves no available beds for other patients in the area and contributes to so-called “hallway medicine.”
Stonewall is well advanced in its planning and commitment to this project. Land has already been purchased, and the necessary infrastructure — including roads, sewer and water — is in place. The Town of Stonewall, with a population of approximately 5,700 residents, has committed to raising $10 million toward the project.
We are asking the Province of Manitoba to approve funding for a new Stonewall personal care home to meet the current and future needs of our community.
The response received from the office of the minister of Health indicates the matter has been forwarded to the department for review. While this acknowledgment is appreciated, our community continues to wait for concrete action.
This issue affects our seniors, our families and our health-care system. It deserves timely and meaningful attention.
Terry L. Connon, Stonewall
