FAQs
- Maskwa is an innovative, not‑for‑profit medical centre based in Grande Prairie.
- Its purpose is to speed up access to medical specialists and services for residents across the Peace Region.
- It is currently being built next to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital.
- This is not a private clinic—there will be no patient user fees, other than standard fees already charged across Alberta.
- Total project cost is approximately $40 million.
- The County of Grande Prairie Council cares about local healthcare and is seeking public feedback regarding the proposed loan guarantee.
- The County’s 2024 Municipal Census found that 27% of County residents do not have a family doctor.
- The County is gathering public feedback to gauge residents’ support of the County approving a $5.84 million loan guarantee bylaw to support Maskwa.
- A loan guarantee means the County would not directly provide funding up front but would promise to pay back the $5.84 million loan if Maskwa Medical Center can’t repay it.
- Having loan guarantees from other parties will reduce the lender's risk, which can help the Maskwa Board obtain a loan more easily.
- County residents are invited to complete the survey on this page by midnight on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
- Residents can also complete a printed copy of the survey in person at three County Open House events: Hinton Trail Hall on June 15, Clarkson Hall on June 17, and Webster Hall on June 18.
- In 2021, the County provided $25,000 to support Maskwa’s business plan and cost‑benefit analysis.
- In 2024, the County provided a $500,000 capital grant.
- In 2025, Council approved Bylaw 3232 to issue two interest‑free loans: $2 million in April and $1.5 million in October. Maskwa will repay these loans.
- In June 2026, Council amended Bylaw 3232 to extend the repayment term for the full $3.5 million, subject to ATB approval and available cash flow.
- The County is now considering Bylaw #3268 — Maskwa Medical Center (Canada) Inc. Guarantee Bylaw for the proposed $5.84 million loan guarantee. On May 15, 2026, Council gave first reading to the bylaw as presented. A bylaw requires three readings to be passed.
- The City of Grande Prairie and the MD of Greenview each provided $500,000 grants and $3.5 million interest‑free loans.
- Saddle Hills County contributed a $3.5 million grant.
- The Maskwa Board has also received contributions from donors.
- While the Province has provided no capital funding for the construction of the project, Primary Care Alberta has signed a long-term lease for the entire first floor to house a new health clinic, which will support the training of family medicine residents.
- Provincial capital funding would significantly reduce the burden currently being carried by municipalities.
- The County is advocating that the Province provide capital funding to Maskwa to improve residents' access to medical services and specialists.
- Administration will report survey findings to Council.
- Council will consider the feedback before moving forward to second and third reading of the bylaw. To pass, a bylaw must receive three readings.
What is the Maskwa Medical Centre?
Why is the County gathering public feedback?
What is a loan guarantee?
How can I complete the survey?
What funding has the County provided to date?
Have any other municipalities provided funding?
Has the provincial government provided funding?
What are the next steps after the survey closes at midnight on June 28, 2026?