Construction Begins on New Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge

CANADA, October 16 - Released on October 16, 2026

Today, in conjunction with the federal Build Communities Strong Fund announcement, the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction for the new Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge at 1036 College Drive in Saskatoon. 

The Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada, through the Build Communities Strong Fund, will each invest over $7 million (M) towards construction; while the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan is contributing $10M.

“The new Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge is an important investment to putting patients first and ensuring high-quality cancer care is available in the right place, at the right time,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “This facility will provide patients with a modern, supportive place to stay close to care, helping them focus on their health and recovery. I want to thank the Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation and its donors for their ongoing generosity and commitment to patients and families across the province.”

Westridge Construction has been awarded the contract and has begun site preparations. The company will lead the project through construction.

The Cancer Patient Lodge provides a "home-away-from-home" for patients undergoing treatments at nearby health care facilities, lessening the burden of travel so they can focus on healing. The lodge will include 33 private patient rooms, including three dedicated suites for stem cell transplant recipients, 14 companion accommodation spaces, a well-equipped kitchen to prepare nutritious meals, lounge areas where patients and companions can watch TV and connect with others, a reflection room with the ability to accommodate Indigenous ceremony, common spaces for games and puzzles and an exercise room with light equipment. 

“Saskatchewan appreciates the federal funding provided through the Building Communities Strong Fund which will accelerate and enhance our government’s strong and steady investments into health care infrastructure,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Sean Wilson said. “The new Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge will improve the quality of life of patients from across Saskatchewan receiving cancer care in Saskatoon.”

Built in 1928, the former lodge has been demolished to make way for the new facility, which will be conveniently located near Royal University Hospital and the Saskatoon Cancer Center. Temporary lodge services continue to be provided while the new facility is being built.

“Building more homes starts with building the infrastructure that makes growth possible. Through the Build Communities Strong Fund, our partnership with Saskatchewan is delivering transformative investments that will strengthen communities, support housing and improve quality of life for people across the province," The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada said.

"The lodge is an exciting project that fully demonstrates our commitment to patient and family-centred care, and was designed with patients and families' active involvement," Saskatchewan Cancer Agency President and CEO Deb Bulych said. "We look forward to sharing updates on construction as this project unfolds."

"For people who must leave home for cancer treatment, having a welcoming place to stay can ease an enormous burden," Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan CEO Nora Yeates said. "We are thrilled to see this project coming to life and look forward to engaging communities across Saskatchewan in a province-wide campaign to help create a true home away from home for patients and their families."

Construction of the new Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge is expected to be completed in Spring 2028.

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