Construction has officially begun on the new Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge with a targeted completion date in the spring of 2028.

The Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada, through the Build Communities Strong Fund, will each invest more than $7 million towards construction; while the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan is contributing $10 million.

“This facility will provide patients with a modern, supportive place to stay close to care, helping them focus on their health and recovery,” said Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill.

Westridge Construction has been awarded the contract and has begun site preparations. The company will lead the project through construction.

The Cancer Patient Lodge provides a “home-away-from-home” for patients undergoing treatments at nearby health care facilities, lessening the burden of travel so they can focus on healing. The lodge will include 33 private patient rooms, including three dedicated suites for stem cell transplant recipients, 14 companion accommodation spaces, lounge areas and a well-equipped kitchen.

Built in 1928, the former lodge has been demolished to make way for the new facility, which will be conveniently located near Royal University Hospital and the Saskatoon Cancer Center.