Saskatoon’s cancer patient lodge moved to Parkville Manor in 2020 but will be moving back to its previous location on College Drive once a new building is constructed. The former building across College Drive from the Royal University Hospital Saskatoon Cancer Centre had been the lodge’s home since the early 80s, but the building had been around since 1924, and had reached the end of its useful life expectancy.

Saskatchewan Cancer Agency President and CEO, Deb Bulych explains that the old building will be torn down and a new, expanded building will take its place. The early designs include 33 private patient rooms with 14 companion accommodation spaces, a kitchen, lounge and common areas, and an exercise room. She says, “Patient care, comfort and safety are top priorities for the Cancer Agency. A new expanded patient lodge will give out-of-town patients a comfortable, convenient and cost-effective place to stay, instead of having to travel long distances to receive important, life-saving treatments,” The patient lodges in Saskatoon and Regina include private rooms, three meals a day, common areas, and supportive staff.

The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, which is the fundraising partner for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, has announced a fundraising goal of $10 million for this project. Health Minister Everett Hindley says, “Future plans will focus on developing a new, modern facility, that reinforces the government’s commitment to improve quality of life for cancer patients by offering a supportive environment where they can focus on healing.”