MOOSE JAW — After more than a decade of planning, fundraising, and community-driven effort, Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw has officially opened a new palliative care wing at Pioneer Lodge.
The ribbon was cut to mark the grand opening on the early afternoon of April 11, with provincial dignitaries, the mayor, volunteers, and residents gathering to mark what organizers called “a remarkable day.”
“Welcome to a remarkable day that is more than a decade in the making — 11 years…,” said Sara Bryan, chair of Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw and the event’s master of ceremonies.
Heartland Hospice began its journey in 2013, inspired by the late Arlene Kolosky, who recognized the need for hospice palliative care in Moose Jaw during her own end-of-life experience.
“Arlene… was able to spend her final days at home, but she understood that not everyone would have that option,” Bryan said. “Motivated by this, she gathered a group of close friends to advocate for hospice palliative care in the community. Some of those friends are here (attending the ceremony) today.”
With the support of those early advocates and many others, Heartland Hospice established its first dedicated hospice room at Pioneer Lodge in 2019 — now set to become a dedicated sacred space.
In the years that followed, the organization created an on-site Serenity Garden, achieved official charity status, and now, , has opened a three-room hospice wing that will serve Moose Jaw and surrounding communities.
Andrew Will, CEO of the SHA, applauded the community’s long-standing commitment.
“It’s an absolute honour to join you today to celebrate… the opening of a dedicated hospice wing…, made possible by years of community support and fundraising,” Will said.
Also in attendance was the Hon. Tim McLeod, MLA for Moose Jaw North and minister of Justice and Attorney General, who commended the initiative as an example of grassroots perseverance and community partnership on behalf of Premier Scott Moe and the provincial government.
“Hospice care is a special kind of care offering support to patients and families during their most challenging times. It’s about making the end-of-life journey as comfortable and dignified as possible,” McLeod said. “So thank you to Heartland Hospice for providing this vital service to our community.
“Today’s event is a moving tribute to the memory of the late Arlene Kolosky, who laid the foundation for Heartland Hospice. Turning her dream and vision into reality is truly inspiring.”
, all designed to offer comfort and dignity to patients and their loved ones during end-of-life care.
Karen Avery, director of continuing care for the SHA in the region, praised the vision and collaboration that brought the facility to life.
“It reflects the heart of what more than 45,000 SHA team members do each and every day: we care for patients, we care for our health teams, (and) we care for the communities where we live and work,” Avery said. “That spirit of care is reflected in this project, which began with a dream….”
Will noted that in 2024 alone, the team at Pioneer Lodge supported 40 palliative care clients.
“This new space will make a significant difference for patients and families…,” he said. “I had a chance to tour it… and it is absolutely beautiful. I can’t believe the attention to detail and all the ideas that went into making it a very special place.”
Bryan acknowledged the team at C & S Builders Ltd. for their renovation work and Jillian’s Design Elements for sponsoring all furnishings in the family room — and everyone else involved.
As the ceremony concluded, guests attended the ribbon cutting at the wing’s south-facing entrance, followed by a tour of the facility that stands as a lasting legacy of one woman’s wish and the power of working together for a worthwhile cause.
To learn more, visit or call 306-690-8699. Pioneer Lodge is located at 1000 Albert Street.
