Menu

Thunder Bay-Atikokan

aitkiokan-hospital

COVID-19 Outbreak Declared In Atikokan

, , , , , , ,

A COVID-19 outbreak is declared at the Atikokan General Hospital – Long Term Care wing.

The Northwestern Health Unit, along with hospital officials, say that one staff member has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Chief Executive Officer Jorge VanSlyke made this statement Sunday on behalf of the Atikokan General Hospital Sunday:

“[Atikokan General Hospital] recognizes the fear, even anger that some of our community members feel at this time. However, please note that the AGH Team has been preparing since the beginning of the pandemic, and we are proactively addressing the situation. We strongly support the ‘no blame’ stance because we firmly believe that nobody would want this happening to anybody and we are doing our best to cope and to prepare”

Under provincial rules, an outbreak is declared with one positive case of COVID-19.

Group-picture-Atikokan-announcement

Seniors Facility Set To Be Erected In Atikokan

, , , , , , , , , ,

Shovels in the ground as the work continues on a venture that’s being hailed as the ‘largest capital project in decades’ for Atikokan.

Several dignitaries on hand in the town to unveil Aspen Court Seniors Living facility.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown

It’ll be 38,000 square feet and will feature:

  • 38 single and double occupancy units
  • Community kitchen and lounge
  • Treatment room for visiting physicians and health practitioners
  • Outdoor walking paths

“I believe 2009 when the town hall was opened was the last time we had a big building like this built in our town. This is just fantastic, especially for the seniors, because this is something we’ve wanted for a long time,” remarks Mayor Dennis Brown.

A few organizations (pictured) helped kick off the Capital Fundraising Campaign as organizers hope to raise $200,000 to help with construction and equipment.

“Every person deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, especially in the later years of life,” notes Jim Turner, Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee. “In the town of Atikokan and surrounding northwest region, seniors are a growing demographic. Most have lived, worked and raised families in our smaller northern communities. In retirement, seniors continue to be essential contributors to our social and economic fabric.”

Officials touting job numbers as well with this project. Once the building is opened six full time and two part-time positions will be created that include personal support workers, community programmers, administration and maintenance staff.

When it comes to fundraising, those on the fundraising committee believe area residents, businesses and organizations will help reach the $200,000 goal by 2021.

If you’d like to donate click here