I arrived at the Valley View Centre on a November morning as the wind scattered the remaining autumn leaves across the grounds. Once bustling with life as Saskatchewan’s largest institution for people with intellectual disabilities, the sprawling campus now stands mostly silent, its future uncertain amid controversy over a planned ALS care facility.
“This was supposed to be about hope,” says Tracey Myers, whose brother was diagnosed with ALS three years ago. She gestures toward the brick buildings. “Now it feels like we’re caught in some political game while people are suffering.”
The controversy surrounds the ALS Society of Saskatchewan’s planned health centre at the former Valley View site in Moose Jaw. What began as a promising partnership has deteriorated into calls for investigation, with opposition politicians and patient advocates demanding answers about management and funding practices.
The Society and Saskatchewan’s NDP are formally requesting the Provincial Auditor launch an investigation into the provincial government’s handling of the Valley View Centre repurposing project, particularly focusing on a $3 million grant provided for the ALS health centre development.
Denis Simard, executive director of the ALS Society of Saskatchewan, doesn’t mince words about the situation. “The lack of transparency has been deeply concerning,” he told me during an interview at the Society’s Regina office. “We’ve been pushing for clarity on where exactly the funding went and why the project has stalled, but we keep hitting walls.”
The Valley View Centre, which closed in 2019 after serving as a residential facility for people with intellectual disabilities since 1955, was earmarked for repurposing. In 2022, the provincial government announced plans for an ALS health centre at the site, promoting it as a significant step forward in specialized care.
According to documents obtained through freedom of information requests, the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement provided a $3 million grant to the Valley View Centre Repurposing Project. But the ALS Society maintains they’ve seen none of these funds directed toward actual development of care facilities.
“People living with ALS in Saskatchewan deserve better,” says NDP Leader Carla Beck. “This isn’t just about money – it’s about lives. Every day of delay means another day without specialized care for those who desperately need it.”
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Patients gradually lose muscle control, often leading to complete paralysis while cognitive function remains intact. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is just two to five years, according to the ALS Society of Canada.
For Saskatchewan’s approximately 120 ALS patients and their families, the proposed centre represented more than just a building – it symbolized recognition of their specific needs and a commitment to improving their quality of life.
When I visited Donna Billingsley at her Moose Jaw home, she showed me photos of her late husband Craig, who passed away from ALS in 2021. “He would have benefited so much from a dedicated facility,” she says, her voice catching. “Now I wonder if anyone else will either.”
The controversy extends beyond the missing funds. Questions have been raised about the role of a private development corporation, Valley View Centre Repurposing Inc., which was contracted to manage the project. The Society claims this arrangement was made without their proper consultation or consent.
Provincial health officials defend their approach, insisting that all proper procedures were followed. “The ministry remains committed to improving care options for ALS patients,” says a statement from the Ministry of Health. “The Valley View Centre project continues to be developed with all stakeholders in mind.”
However, internal documents suggest potential conflicts of interest in the project management structure. Emails between ministry officials reveal concerns about oversight mechanisms and financial accountability measures as early as January 2023, months before the controversy became public.
Dr. Karen Lecomte, a neurologist who specializes in ALS treatment at Regina General Hospital, explains why specialized facilities matter so much. “ALS patients have unique needs that aren’t easily accommodated in standard healthcare settings,” she tells me. “From respiratory support to communication devices to psychological care – everything needs to be integrated and specialized.”
The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports that dedicated specialized care facilities can significantly improve quality of life and even extend survival times for ALS patients. Yet Saskatchewan remains one of the few provinces without such a centre.
Community support for the project remains strong despite the controversy. When I attended a fundraiser in Moose Jaw’s Crescent Park last month, hundreds gathered despite the chilly weather. Local businesses donated services, volunteers sold handmade items, and families shared stories of loved ones affected by ALS.
“We’re not giving up,” says Simard. “We’ve requested a formal forensic audit and want complete transparency going forward. This isn’t about politics – it’s about creating something essential for Saskatchewan families affected by ALS.”
The Provincial Auditor’s office has acknowledged receipt of the investigation request but has not yet announced whether it will proceed with a formal inquiry. Meanwhile, the clock continues ticking for ALS patients across the province.
As I left the Valley View Centre grounds, I noticed a small memorial garden planted by former staff members years ago. Among the weathered stones and perennial plants, someone had recently placed a blue and white ribbon – the colors of ALS awareness.
It fluttered in the Saskatchewan wind, a small symbol of hope amid controversy, a reminder of what’s truly at stake beyond the political debates and financial questions: the dignity and care of those facing an unimaginably difficult journey.
