There is no word yet from federal officials about support for such a project. (Image Credit: ID 131140910 © Tero Vesalainen | Dreamstime.com)

By Derek Cornet

health care

New urgent care centre discussed for Pelican Narrows

Mar 6, 2026 | 4:26 PM

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) is seeking federal support for a new health centre and dedicated 24-hour urgent care facility in Pelican Narrows. 

PBCN leadership including Chief Peter Beatty, as well as Pelican Narrows Mayor Ovide Michel, recently met with Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Buckley Belanger about the proposal. They presented updated population, nursing and ambulance service data outlining sustained growth and escalating emergency demand in the community.  

“Our community has grown. The demand has grown. But the building hasn’t,” said Chief Beatty in a media release. “We’re delivering 2025-level care inside a 1995 facility.” 

Pelican Narrows’ population has increased from 2,636 in 2005 to 3,789 in 2025. The Angelique Canada Health Centre, constructed in 1995, has not expanded during that time. 

Health officials told Belanger that 23,489 patient visits were recorded in 2025-26, with more than 10,000 visits logged in the first six months of the current year alone. 

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Last year saw 3,126 urgent presentations, 1,581 alcohol or drug related visits and 381 violence related cases. Medevac numbers reached 655 — approximately 90 per cent higher than a decade ago. 

Ambulance data also highlights growing strain. Between February 2025 and February 2026, the Pelican Narrows Ambulance Service responded to 2,335 calls. During that same period, 648 patients were transported to Flin Flon, Prince Albert or Saskatoon for hospital-level care. 

Leadership told Belanger the proposed project would include a modern, culturally grounded health facility and a 24-hour urgent care centre designed to stabilize more patients locally and reduce long-distance emergency transfers. 

“Our people should not face higher emergency risk simply because of geography,” Beatty said. “If we are serious about health equity, then our infrastructure must reflect the community we are today.” 

larongeNOW reached out to Belanger for an interview, but he was unavailable by publishing.