La Crete Municipal Nursing Association

The La Crete Municipal Nursing Association (LCMNA) was born out of a grassroots effort by concerned community members who recognized the urgent need for medical services in La Crete and its surrounding areas. After years of living without access to local healthcare facilities, residents took initiative. On May 9, 1957, a pivotal community meeting was held to organize and establish the LCMNA (Incorporated August 26, 1957). This action was taken following a recommendation from the Department of Health in Edmonton, which came in response to a letter from local teacher Diedrich P. Neufeld outlining the region's pressing healthcare needs.

The first Nursing Station was constructed on land generously donated by Louis Tourangeau. Funding for the project came directly from the community, through monetary and labor contributions, along with proceeds from auction sales. Although construction came to a halt on August 28, 1958, due to a lack of funds, a $1,000 loan from the Board of Christian Service allowed the project to continue. The original Nursing Station, located on 99 Avenue in La Crete, was eventually completed. It was staffed by several registered nurses from outside the community, serving in public health roles with extended practice capacities.

This first station remained in operation from 1958 until 1969, when a new and more comprehensive Nursing Station was constructed on Main Street. This updated facility included services from visiting physicians (forming the first medical clinic), public health nurses, home care nurses, and administrative support staff. It served the community until 1988.

Throughout these decades, LCMNA consistently advocated for improved and expanded medical services. Their persistence was rewarded in 1988 with the construction of a new Medical Centre, which many viewed as the realization of the Association’s original goals.

In 1989, the closure of the Hilltop Mission in Fort Vermilion left several La Crete residents without a home. LCMNA responded by leasing the former medical clinic space for residential use, thus establishing the first La Crete Care Home. As demand grew, the facility was expanded, and LCMNA received charitable status, enabling it to issue tax receipts for donations.

In 1995, Mary and John N. Driedger proposed the idea of a second-hand store to support the Care Home's operations. This initiative led to the founding of the Care and Share Thrift Store, which has since become a thriving business. Operated by a manager and supported by volunteers, the store continues to provide essential funding for LCMNA, particularly for its operation of the Heimstaed Lodge.

During the 1990s, fundraising for the construction of a senior lodge became a primary focus for LCMNA. Successful raffles and significant community support—including funds raised from the annual Loggers & Truckers Tournament initiated by Bill Dyck in 1997—provided critical financial backing.

The Heimstaed Lodge project officially began on July 30, 1999, when LCMNA hired an architect and project manager. With no government funding available, Phase I was constructed between 1999 and 2000, providing 32 rooms and allowing for future kitchen and dining room expansion. Phase II was completed in February 2002, adding 30 more rooms, and by 2008, Phase III introduced and included dementia care through the addition of 20 rooms. Two rooms were repurposed during facility integration, bringing the total to 80 units.

Today, Alberta Health Services (AHS) covers medical supplies and nursing care for 54 of the units. LCMNA owns and operates the Heimstaed Lodge, governed by a volunteer board of eight directors and supported by a Chief Administrative Officer. While operators of the Lodge has changed hands over the years, LCMNA assumed operations in September 2021.

LCMNA has also played a key role in addressing temporary housing needs for community members seeking out-of-town medical care. The Windsor Park Compassion Home Committee—formerly the Edmonton Guest Home Committee—operated under LCMNA’s charitable umbrella until gaining independent charitable status in February 2020, when it was renamed the Riverside Compassion Home Society.

Continually responding to community healthcare needs, LCMNA supported local committees and health boards in advocating for improved services. Their efforts contributed to the launch of Advanced Ambulatory Care by AHS in La Crete on June 22, 2011. Additionally, a new Medical Clinic, completed in February 2010 by the La Crete Health Needs Committee (a volunteer group formerly under LCMNA), enhanced long-term physician recruitment and local access to higher levels of medical care. 

LCMNA remains deeply committed to the provision of affordable housing and senior care. Currently, the organization is leading a major expansion of the Heimstaed Lodge, with the community aiming to raise, donate, or pledge $5 million, and requesting an additional $25 million from government sources.

LCMNA also manages the Altenheim, a senior low-rental housing facility operated in partnership with the Alberta Social Housing Corporation (ASHC). This facility includes both senior and community housing options, further demonstrating LCMNA’s ongoing dedication to meeting evolving community needs.