A new space for comfort, reflection and connection has officially opened at the Stonewall & District Health Centre.
Community members, hospital staff and donors gathered Sept. 23 at the palliative care suite to celebrate the completion of the Sunshine and Peace Patio — also known as the Garden Door Project — a long-envisioned space designed to bring peace, nature and meaningful moments to patients and their loved ones.
The project was spearheaded by the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation (IEHF), whose executive director, Averill Stephenson, welcomed attendees on behalf of the board of directors.
“This project was first imagined almost a decade ago,” Stephenson said. “It began when a patient was being wheeled out into the parking lot to enjoy some fresh air, and the need for a dedicated outdoor space was clear. Sometimes these things don’t happen overnight, but here we are today — and we now have this beautiful space.”
Stephenson thanked Sharon Rempel, who was the chief nursing officer at Stonewall hospital at the time, who first envisioned the project, and the Southwest District Palliative Care group, which supported early fundraising efforts before the COVID-19 pandemic. Above all, she highlighted the “extraordinary generosity” of donor Irv Koch, whose contributions helped turn the dream into reality.
“This patio is more than concrete and wood,” Stephenson said. “It’s a place for moments that matter — a place where patients can feel the sun on their face, where families can share quiet time together, and where they can experience the healing benefits of being outside, to breathe, reflect and find peace.”
Carmen Baker, manager of health services at Stonewall Hospital, described what the new space will mean for both families and staff.
“As a nurse, we see many families going through a really hard time,” she said. “We want to make it the most comfortable space possible for them. This patio helps — it’s a place where people can be outside in the sunshine with their loved ones, having the best time and, for those at the end of life, experiencing the kind of peaceful passing we want for them.”
Baker also praised the hospital’s facilities and operations teams for working closely with contractors to complete the project quickly once funding was secured.
A blessing for the new space was originally planned for the ceremony by Robert Maytwayashing, the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority knowledge keeper, but was postponed due to illness. Stephenson said the foundation will coordinate a blessing with Maytwayashing and the care team in the near future.
Guests were invited to tour the new patio, enjoy refreshments and imagine future additions, which will include outdoor furnishings and window blinds to make the space even more welcoming.
The Sunshine and Peace Patio reflects the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation’s mission to advance health and well-being through community collaboration and innovative solutions. More information about the foundation’s work is available at www.iehf.ca or by calling 204-485-5139.
