Familiar name for seniors centre

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This article was published 10/08/2013 (4440 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

IF this keeps up, Manitoba may have to change its name to Buhler.

The wealthy philanthropist is putting his name on another new building, this time in his old stomping grounds in the Pembina Valley.

The official sod-turning for the Buhler Centre, an active-living centre for seniors, was held in the City of Winkler Friday.

The $28-million centre will include 48 units of affordable housing for seniors, 24 independent-living condos with living assistance and 24 units of supportive housing for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

Winkler is having to ship out seniors who are in the early stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s to neighbouring towns “at a time when they need their families the most,” said Winkler Mayor Martin Harder. “That is not acceptable.”

Winkler already has a personal-care home in Salem Home for people needing more constant assistance.

Ottawa and the Manitoba government are chipping in a combined $2.88 million. Buhler purchased naming rights to the Winkler complex for $1.25 million. The centre is expected to open in about 22 months.

Buhler told Friday’s ceremony he still has more money to give away and hopes to do so. Buhler is originally from Morden, a frequent friendly rival with nearby Winkler. The two cities are separated by fewer than 10 kilometres.

Some other Buhler-named buildings in Manitoba include the Buhler Centre at the University of Winnipeg, the John Buhler Research Centre at Health Sciences Centre, the Buhler Cancer Centre at Victoria General Hospital, the Bonnie and John Buhler Emergency Centre at Seven Oaks General Hospital, the Buhler Welcome Centre at the Manitoba Children’s Museum and the Buhler Concert Hall in Gretna.

bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca