Upgrades aim to expand capacity and improve patient flow — emergency department remains open

Bonnyville’s emergency department is getting a major upgrade — and it’s staying open the entire time.

Covenant Health has officially begun renovations at the Bonnyville Health Centre emergency department as of March 2. The project will roll out in phases and is expected to be complete by late March 2027.

The goal is simple: strengthen access to timely, high-quality emergency care for families across Bonnyville and the Lakeland.

Expanding to Meet a Growing Community

As the region continues to grow, so does the need for modern, efficient health care spaces.

Shelly Franklin, site administrator, says the renovations will create a safer and more modern environment for patients, families and staff, while continuing Covenant Health’s tradition of caring for the whole person — body, mind and soul.

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr says the investment is needed to keep pace with population growth. He notes the upgrades will expand hospital capacity, improve patient flow and better support frontline staff in delivering timely emergency care close to home.

Mayor Elisa Brosseau also welcomed the project on behalf of town council, calling it an essential renovation that improves access to vital emergency health care services for the community.

What’s Changing Inside

The redesigned layout is focused on improving the patient experience from the moment someone walks through the door.

Key improvements include:

• A redesigned and expanded nursing station to improve visibility and speed up response times

• A 35 per cent increase in treatment capacity

• A larger intake and assessment area to help patients be seen sooner

• A new fast-track treatment room for less urgent concerns to help reduce wait times

• An expanded waiting room, growing from 25 to 45 seats

• New doors to improve privacy while maintaining full access

Overall, the updated space is expected to be brighter, more spacious and more efficient for both patients and staff.

Temporary Changes During Construction

While the emergency department will remain fully operational, residents can expect a few temporary adjustments during construction.

During the first phase, approximately 10 parking stalls on the east side of the building near the ambulance bay will be unavailable. In later phases, there may be temporary changes to entrances, walkways and internal foot traffic flow.

Visitors are encouraged to:

• Consider parking on the north road in front of the EMS building if the main lot is full

• Allow extra time for parking and getting to appointments

• Ask staff or volunteers for help finding their way

Covenant Health says the short-term inconvenience will lead to long-term benefits, ensuring residents continue to receive the right care at the right time, close to home.

Construction is expected to wrap up in March 2027.