The Stelmach Community Health Centre, the first building in the Covenant Wellness Community in southeast Edmonton, officially opened its doors on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Named after former Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach and his wife Marie, the facility is operated by Covenant Health and serves as a hub for a range of health care services, including primary care, outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging, and other services.
Innovative Model for Community-Based Care
Patrick Dumelie, president and CEO of Covenant Health, highlighted the significance of the opening. “It’s an incredibly exciting day that not only is it marked the grand opening of this facility that is a really incredible innovation on how we’re going to care for people into the future, but also represents a day of honouring the Stelmach family,” Dumelie said at the grand opening. The wellness community aims to enhance primary care while addressing gaps in the community.
Services and Relocated Clinics
The health centre houses the Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic, which was relocated from the Grey Nuns Community Hospital. Dumelie noted that moving some services out of the hospital and into the community improves accessibility. “It’s really been a real tremendous improvement for the staff, but also for the patients to have the proper space and the proper environment to give care… huge efficiencies were gained by moving it over to a purposefully designed space here at the centre,” he explained. This relocation also alleviates pressure on hospital infrastructure, allowing the hospital to expand its emergency department.
Honouring the Stelmach Legacy
Ed Stelmach, who served as premier from 2006 to 2011, expressed deep humility at having the centre named after him. Reflecting on his childhood experience in a hospital, where he was cared for by the sister servants of Mary Immaculate, he said, “It taught me that health care is ultimately about people. It’s about compassion, dignity and seeing each person as a whole.”
Support from Provincial Officials
Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Nathan Neudorf praised the facility as innovative. “Southeast Edmonton is rapidly growing and the unique combination of services under this roof will serve residents well today and for years to come,” Neudorf said. The centre aims to provide more timely care for Albertans by consolidating multiple services in one location.
Future Plans for the Campus
Covenant Health plans to add more buildings to the campus, including an integrated seniors’ continuing care centre, residential housing, and commercial retail spaces. Dumelie noted that there is currently no timeline for phase two, as it has not yet been approved, but the proposal has been submitted to the province.
