Cancer Patient Lodge in Regina evacuated due to flooding

More than four feet of water is sitting in the basement of the Cancer Patient Lodge in Regina.

“A cap came off due to the water pressure in the heavy rains that overloaded the drainage system, and the water came in through that space,” said Gladys Wasylenchuk, director of public affairs with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

All 22 people (15 patients and 7 companions) staying there had to leave the building.

“We found other lodging at hotels here in the city,” explained Wasylenchuk.

The patients have also been provided meal vouchers.

Wasylenchuk pointed out there are boilers, a hot water heater, an air compressor, a freezer, and an electrical box in the basement. There is no electricity in the building and that is why all the patients were moved. An inspection needs to be done before the electricity can be turned back on.

“We’re hoping (that will happen) by the end of this week, so right after the long weekend is what we’re hoping that we can have patients and their family members or companions back at our lodge … We would not bring patients back in until we were certain that their safety would be assured.”

Wasylenchuk said they will be keeping their clients up to date regarding the clean-up efforts.

The water stayed in the basement meaning no rooms were damaged. As of Tuesday afternoon, the extent and cost of the damage was unknown.

BHilton@rawlco.com
Follow on Twitter: @BHiltonNEWS