Pimicikamak Wellness Centre construction nearing completion

Just three months on from the start of construction, the once infamous Balmoral Hotel is rapidly nearing completion as a new Wellness Centre. With the aim of becoming a home away from home, for northern and isolated First Nation members in Winnipeg for medical appointments.

Since its purchase in November of last year, crews have been working around the clock to transform the former hotel into what can be seen today. 

Two floors of the building are already complete and in just under a month, all 45 rooms at the newly named Pimicikamak Wellness Centre will be available, and ready to welcome those in need of a safe place to stay in the city’s downtown core. 

“We saw the potential and you know we noticed that we could go good with this,” said Kam Khaira, a co-owner of the Pimicikamak Wellness Centre.

“Structure was pretty strong, so we just had small minor changes, which in three months as you can see is a day and night difference.”

Khaira, says he and his partners decided the Balmoral was the ideal spot to open up a Wellness centre with its close vicinity to the Health Science Centre, and are committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure each visitor receives the respect they deserve.

“They are already in pain and they are coming here to heal so it’s our job to make them comfortable,” explained Khaira.

Wellness Centre spokesperson, Desiree McIvor says the goal of the facility is to offer a safe space for recovery, which she says is needed more than ever. 

“It’s a home away from home for our guests, especially when their first need is healing,” said McIvor.

“We want to ensure our indigenous community members, all community members that this is a safe, clean, inclusive space for everyone to come and get the healing that they deserve.”

McIvor who also works with 1JustCity, says the non-profit will soon open a drop-in centre in the basement to offer meals and indigenous-focused programming.  With plans also in the works to open a daycare centre in the building, and to turn the beer vendor on the property into a walk-in clinic and pharmacy. 

“It’s such a well-rounded program we can take care of the physical health of our guests as well as the spiritual, emotional, and mental health, just so they can get all their needs met right in the same building.”