HISTORY

The forerunner of Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg Inc was organized on February 21, 1883.  The organization was incorporated on April 29, 1884, as the Christian Women's Union of Winnipeg, and officially recognized by the provincial government with a grant of $500.00 for the purpose of providing a temporary home for female immigrants, and also as a lying-in or maternity hospital.  There were originally two homes.  The home for women was on Lydia Street and a children's unit was on Albert Street.  In 1905, the first elderly woman was given temporary shelter.

In 1906, there was a major policy change, and the home on Lydia Street was reassigned as the first "home for the elderly".  The work with children continued as a separate organization, and it is believed that it later became the Children's Home of Winnipeg.

The present site was purchased in 1907 from the federal government who had been operating an Indian residential school, which was partially destroyed by fire.  An undamaged three-story frame building became the new home and the elderly persons from Lydia Street took up residence.  A new building was constructed in 1930; the south "staff" building was renovated in 1962, and demolished in 1987.

The name of the corporation was changed to "The Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg" in 1958 and in 1962 the hostel building was constructed to accommodate 125 residents including a 24 bed infirmary.   To meet the changing needs of the elderly, an adjoining personal care home was constructed in 1968 to accommodate 88 residents.  In 1973, nursing home care became an insured service under the Manitoba Health Insurance Act.  Provincial standards, funding arrangements and residential charges were established, including a requirement for minimum ancillary space per resident.  Building renovations in 1976 resulted in a decrease of one bed.  A study conducted by the Board of Management in 1978 revealed that the current ancillary space in “The Home” was below the provincial requirement.   Subsequently, a committee of the board was established to develop a plan for an activity centre to rectify the deficiency. 

Donations from corporations, the public sector, and the friends of The Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg provided the capital costs for construction of the activity centre, which was officially opened on May 5, 1981.

Between 1985 and 1992 three major projects occurred which provided for a new “sprinkler” fire protection system; new plumbing throughout and, a new wing and enclosed 20,000 square foot courtyard.  Facilities now provide services for all levels of care (1-4) and, ancillary programs including adult day and respite care.

In 1995, a Community Services Program was launched in cooperation with the municipalities of East and West St. Paul.  This program continues to expand as needs are identified.  Low cost services to seniors and physically challenged persons are both “facilitated” and provided “directly” by The Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg.

Community outreach programs (foot care, meals on wheels, and homemaking) are delivered/facilitated from "The Home".  Other programs/services will be developed on an as needed basis.

In 1998, Middlechurch on the Red Inc (MORI) a 30 unit life lease housing apartment facility was completed.  A physical link allows residents of the housing unit access to a variety of ancillary services from “The Home”, as well as, access to the MCH Community Services Program.

Currently the board and management are continuing strategic and long term future planning.

In December 1998, the board entered into a service agreement with the Winnipeg Community and Long Term Care Authority.

In 2000 following amalgamation of the WCA and WHA, our agreement was extended to the new Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

In 2002, our new and five year service purchase agreement was signed with the WRHA.

In 2004, The Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg was changed to Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg Inc.

As part of our commitment to the community we serve, in 2006 we undertook a feasibility study for redevelopment of the A/D wings.  As a result of that study we have been working with the WRHA on a plan for capital improvements to older areas of the facility including the A/D and C wings.  In addition, we commenced our own fundraising efforts to meet our share of the capital requirements as well as to provide any amenities above and beyond WRHA funding.  We continue to be optimistic that this project will proceed in the near future.

2009 marks another milestone in the history of the home.  Coincidently in the same month our history   began, April; is the 25^th anniversary of the Middlechurch Home Auxiliary.

In 2009 the original sponsor and “corporate body” of our organization, “The Christian Woman’s

Union” is 125 years old.  The corporation, which is now Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg

Inc celebrates 100 years on this site.