St. Michael’s Health Group (SMHG), a registered charity and a contracted faith-based not-for-profit operator in the health care system, provides long-term care for seniors. Communities include St. Michael’s Grove Manor, Vegreville Manor, St. Michael’s Long-Term Care Centre and Millennium Pavilion. SMHG also manages four seniors’ apartments in Edmonton. Supportive projects and business ventures include Baba’s Own Ukrainian Foods (available in retail stores and online), the Family Health Centre (where doctors provide care to the community in NE Edmonton), Mobile X-Ray (available to book as needed) and rentable venue Heritage Hall. All proceeds go back into quality-of-life programs for residents and clients.
SMHG recently opened and is celebrating its newest community, Fenwyck Heights in Spruce Grove.
“SMHG was started by a small group of individuals within the Ukrainian community, led by Dr. Melety Snihurowych, with a vision to build a nursing home for seniors that provides holistic and quality care,” says, John Kopeck, president and CEO. “The goal was to provide care addressing physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and intellectual needs. We are proud of our unwavering commitment of providing exceptional care tailored to meet the unique needs of our residents and ensure their well-being. Whether it is daily care, quality meals
to support a healthy diet, education, information or recreational programming, we look at all aspects of how we can care for residents and support their families.”
The land was donated by the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy and funds were raised to build the first facility (St. Michael’s Long Term Care Centre). Their legacy continues as the Eparchy remains an integral supporter of St. Michael’s. Today Dr. Snihurowych’s son, Mel, is chair of the board of directors of St. Michael’s.
Mel Snihurowych shares, “SMHG has grown significantly since it was established, marked by the introduction of long-term care services in 1983, followed by the independent living sites in Edmonton, Spruce Grove and Vegreville over the next 20 years. The recent opening of Fenwyck Heights in Spruce Grove is a milestone and foundational to the next phase of our growth.”
“Fenwyck Heights, which is now welcoming residents, is the largest development in the history of SMHG,” says Kopeck of the 170-suite residence and $50+ million project, that provides much-needed housing and support services to the seniors of Spruce Grove and the surrounding area.
“We are incredibly proud of this project, acknowledging it would not have been possible without the support of the community and our valued partners. This project is also the beginning of a larger vision for senior care in Spruce Grove and the Parkland Region. Given this region has a tremendous need for a higher level of care, SMHG has invested in ensuring we can offer this care in an affordable and efficient manner. A Phase II of this project has been identified and we look forward to continuing to build our relationship with and in this community along with the support of our important partners like Synergy and S2 Architecture.”
Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker is happy to note, “Its been a pleasure to collaborate with SMHG on this important
development project for our community. The housing options and services offered in Fenwyck Heights are greatly needed in Spruce Grove and throughout the TriMunicipal Region. These services provide our seniors with the dignity, respect, support and care they deserve as they age. This investment is not just a development project but a commitment to building a community that embodies the very essence of home.”
The care provided through SMHG is exceptional.
Kopeck is proud to say, “SMHG is proud of our strong guidelines, which we refer to as we care for seniors. Our culture is collaborative and is guided by teamwork, inclusivity, caring and faith. We firmly believe in community, excellence, integrity, accountability and engagement. These important terms and values define our organization.”
Snihurowych adds, “Knowing those who choose St. Michael’s are receiving the care they need and deserve is very rewarding and encourages the entire board to continue doing their important governance work.”
Ken Weisenburger can attest to this high level of care. He applied to Fenwyck Heights in March 2022 and moved in November 1, 2023.
Weisenburger was initially hesitant about the decision but now calls it “one of the best things I’ve done.”
“I am a very outgoing man and to come here I had to leave a population of 3,600 – and I knew about 3,500 of them!” says Weisenburger. I was active in the community and did a lot of charity work but my boy had been after me for 10 years to move into a care home.”
After finally making the move, Weisenburger couldn’t be happier.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. MICHAEL’S HEALTH GROUP!
Synergy Projects is proud to have partnered with St. Michael’s Health Group on construction of their new Fenwyck Heights seniors’ residence, offering accessible living and support services for seniors in Spruce Grove and the Alberta Capital Region. We are thrilled to have helped bring this significant community project to life!
“There are about 60 people living here so far,” he continues, “and I know almost all of them. The staff is incredibly helpful. The food is excellent! The serving staff come around asking if you got enough to eat and they are happy to give you more. The front-end staff is very knowledgeable. You can talk to them anytime.”
Weisenburger’s social life is as active as ever.
