3 years, 11 months, and 8 million dollars ago, the New Estevan Regional Nursing Home Committee completed fundraising their portion for a new facility for the Energy City's elderly folk.

Now, the Committee is waiting on the provincial government to do their part in the agreement and get things underway.

"We're lobbying them to move in the project, and as part of that movement we like to involve the public. We had letter signing campaign over the summer months, and through that we collected over 600 signatures that we want to present to the Minister of Health, to indicated the support and desire of the citizens here in Estevan to get it underway," said Chair Don Kindopp.

That said, a new object has jumped into the pathway, in the form of the new Saskatchewan Health Authority, around which the route is as of yet foggy. The prevailing question is whether it will be a help or hindrance.

"It's unclear at this time. We were told by Mr. Livingstone, the new CEO, that things will be remaining in place much the way they are, and it'll be sometime before things change. Having said that, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't move forward and try and get the government to move on this project. Hopefully, it will not impede us. We're going directly to the Minister, and hopefully that will have an impact."

It appears that the Committee can't go much further on planning until the other party contributes their part, so the next step is continued lobbying, and painting a really pretty picture.

"Once we start planning it'll take some time before it's actually built. We're trying to look at different models to entice the government to look at this more seriously, in the sense of more efficiency," Kindopp said, adding that they are taking into account all the different factors, including operating expenses and staffing.

"I'm convinced that having it located on the grounds of the St. Joseph's Hospital, and connected to it in some manner, will lead to a lot of efficiency in terms of services like electrical and delivery, kitchen, custodial and staffing."

He also noted that the past year has seen quite a bit of frustration related to the delays, however, they are choosing to remain optimistic on the road ahead.