Dear AVENS Residents, Resident Families, Staff, and Community Members,
I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. As we navigate through the aftermath of the recent NWT wildfire evacuation, I wanted to provide you with important information regarding the upcoming repatriation of our AVENS residents from the Edmonton area.
The repatriation process is a significant undertaking, one that requires careful planning, dedication, and teamwork. Our goal is to ensure the safe return of our beloved residents to their home facility in Yellowknife, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. We have scheduled the repatriation exercise to take place from Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, through Saturday, September16th, 2023.
To achieve this, we will be utilizing four separate daily charters during this repatriation period. Each charter will play a crucial role in reuniting our residents with their familiar surroundings and the compassionate care of our dedicated staff.
During this period, I kindly request that everyone involved, including residents, resident families, staff, and members of our community, help us by minimizing unnecessary demands on our logistics team and staff. We understand that you may have concerns or questions, and we encourage you to reach out through the appropriate channels. Your understanding and cooperation will greatly assist us in executing this complex operation effectively.
For our staff members, if you haven’t done so, please report to your supervisors if you are available and able to assist during the repatriation process. Your dedication and willingness to support your colleagues during this time are greatly appreciated.
We understand that this period may be filled with uncertainty and emotions, but let us remember that it is a necessary step toward reuniting our residents with the comfort and care they deserve. Together, as a community, we can make this transition as seamless, as possible.
Ultimately, our primary focus is the safety and well-being of our residents. With your patience, understanding, and support, we will ensure that they return home safe and sound. When the last resident has safely returned to our facility, we will have reason to rejoice and celebrate as a united community.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and cooperation during this challenging time. Together, we can overcome any obstacles and provide the best possible care to our residents.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team. We are here to assist you and provide you with the information you need.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our residents and our community.
#AVENSstrong
Sincerely,
Daryl Dolynny Bsc. Pharm. P.E.B.C. President and Chief Executive Officer
For general information or concerns please contact:
Daryl Dolynny- Chief Executive Officer
(867) 445-2000 or daryl_dolynny@avensseniors.com
For resident care questions please contact:
Frances Marshall – Director of Care
(867) 445-5853 or frances_marshall@avensseniors.com
For employee specific questions please contact:
Lindsey Dwojak – Director of Human Resources / Occupational Health and Safety
(867)920-2442 extension 105 or lindsey_dwojak@avensseniors.com
For operations type questions please contact:
Steven Nicholas– Director of Operations
(867)445-5001 or steven_nicholas@avensseniors.com
For finance related questions please contact:
Sare Fullerton– Director of Finance
(867)920-2443 extension 102 or sara_fullerton@avensseniors.com
Dear Resident Family Members and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to inform you about the latest developments regarding our repatriation strategy back to our Yellowknife facility after the lengthy wildfire evacuation. We understand that this has been a trying period for all of us, and the uncertainty surrounding our return has been a source of concern for both our staff and residents' loved ones. Rest assured, we have been diligently working on a comprehensive plan to ensure a safe and smooth transition back to our home.
At this time, our repatriation plan is tentatively scheduled to begin mid-next week, and it will take place over several days. The specific details of this plan, including the exact start date and the procedures involved, are currently being finalized.
Our dedicated team of experts is working diligently to address all the logistical aspects of our repatriation strategy, including safety protocols, transportation, and communication plans. We will keep you updated with timely and accurate information as soon as we have all the details finalized.
If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our leadership team. We are here to support you every step of the way.
For general information or concerns please contact:
Daryl Dolynny- Chief Executive Officer
(867) 445-2000 or daryl_dolynny@avensseniors.com
For resident care questions please contact:
Frances Marshall – Director of Care
(867) 445-5853 or frances_marshall@avensseniors.com
For employee specific questions please contact:
Lindsey Dwojak – Director of HR
Lindsey_dwojak@avensseniors.com
For Operations type questions please contact:
Steven Nicholas– Director of Operations
(867)445-5001 or steven_nicholas@avensseniors.com
Sincerely,
Daryl Dolynny Bsc. Pharm. P.E.B.C. President and Chief Executive Officer
Good morning,
AVENS: A community for Seniors continues to navigate the wildfire situation in Yellowknife and the surrounding area. AVENS has begun pre-planning to resume long term care services at our facility in Yellowknife as soon as it is safe to return to Yellowknife. While we wait, current services at Telford Mews in Leduc and Waterford of Summerlea in Northwest Edmonton will continue.
We know you are very anxious for your loved ones to return home, and we are pleased to let you know we have begun the initial planning for our residents’ return to Yellowknife. There are many important considerations as we work toward this goal, the first being the care and safety of our residents. The Yellowknife fire status is now listed as “Being Held” by NWT Fire, the wildfire remains 15 kilometres from Yellowknife. The Government of the Northwest Territories, the City of Yellowknife, and wildfire officials have indicated that this could change back to Out of Control if conditions change. We maintain close relationships with NTHSSA and the local municipalities to ensure we have the information we need to develop timelines and a plan for our re-entry. The re-entry of AVENS will not be the same as residents who reside outside of Long-Term Care.
Because of the unpredictable nature of the wildfires, and the complexity and time required to safely evacuate our residents, we are taking a very cautious approach to minimize the possibility of another evacuation. Many of our residents have mobility issues and evacuating them requires planning and appropriate transportation options to accommodate stretchers and wheelchairs. It’s a complex operation that requires specialized resources and considerable time to complete safely.
The care and safety of our residents remain our top priority. To ensure the comfort and safety of residents, they will continue to be cared for in their temporary locations until a plan for their return has been fully developed and arrangements made for them to be transported home.
Residents and families will be notified when arrangements are in place for a safe return to their homes. Please note that any change in the wildfire status or risk factors may result in a change to those arrangements.
In the meantime, we continue to encourage you to visit if you are in the area.
Waterford of Summerlea
9395 172 St NW Edmonton
Main contact for Resident questions:
Sandra Crocker Walsh
(867) 688-1011 Sandra_walsh@avensseniors.com
Telford Mews
41 Athapaskan Drive, Leduc Alberta
Main contact for resident questions:
Frances Marshall
(867) 445-5853
Updates to NTHSSA’s response to the wildfires, as well as resources, will continue to be posted to https://www.nthssa.ca/en/services/wildfire-health-services-updates.
We thank AVENS employees and families, who assisted in these safe evacuations, and who continue to provide safe and high-quality care to patients and families. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our team.
Sincerely,
AVENS Leadership
Contact information for members of our team
For general information or concerns please contact:
Daryl Dolynny- Chief Executive Officer
(867) 445-2000 or daryl_dolynny@avensseniors.com
For resident care questions please contact:
Frances Marshall – Director of Care
(867) 445-5853 or frances_marshall@avensseniors.com
For employee specific questions please contact:
Lindsey Dwojak – Director of HR
lindsey_dwojak@avensseniors.com
For Operations type questions please contact:
Steven Nicholas – Director of Operations
(867) 445-5001 or steven_nicolas@avensseniors.com
We hope you are safe and secure during this unprecedented time.
Please know that rent will not be withdrawn as per the usual process on Friday, September 1, 2023 for any residents and tenants. AVENS will pro-rate rent for the month of August and for the duration of the evacuation order for all independent housing tenants in Aven Court, Aven Ridge and lease holders. This could include days into September, if the evacuation order continues. Avens will determine pro-rated credits and September billing once we are back on-site in Yellowknife.
You can reach out to any of us through this website under Contact or using our direct emails.
Sincerely,
Avens Management Team
Dear Resident Families and Friends,
AVENS team have been working endlessly to secure and set up longer term accommodations for the residents in our care. Earlier this week, many of the residents of the Territorial Dementia Facility and some Residents from Aven Manor were transferred successfully to a facility called Waterford of Summerlea in Northwest Edmonton. With support, our employees will be able to continue to provide care and ensure the safety of your loved ones in a setting that is better equipped for a longer period of time.
The remaining Residents will be transferred to a building called Telford Mews. Telford Mews provides independent living services for seniors in Leduc. AVENS team have been able to secure and set up these units with beds and other items appropriate for long term care. The transfer to the Telford facility will happen today August 25,2023. We ask that visitors hold off until Sunday August 27, 2023 as we work outa plan of how visitation will work.
Waterford of Summerlea
9395 172 St NW Edmonton
Main contact for Resident questions:
Sandra Crocker Walsh
(867) 688-1011
Telford Mews
41 Athapaskan Drive, Leduc Alberta
Main contact for resident questions:
Frances Marshall
(867) 445-5853
We want to thank everyone for their patience and support during this time. Your comments and visits have been a breath of fresh air, as we work our way through this. If you have any questions or concerns please connect with Frances Marshall at (867) 445-5853.
Sincerely,
AVENS Leadership team
For general information or concerns please contact:
Daryl Dolynny- Chief Executive Officer
(867) 445-2000 or daryl_dolynny@avensseniors.com
For resident care questions please contact:
Frances Marshall – Director of Care
(867) 445-5853 or frances_marshall@avensseniors.com
For employee specific questions please contact:
Lindsey Dwojak – Director of HR
Lindsey_dwojak@avensseniors.com
For Operations type questions please contact:
Steven Nicholas– Director of Operations
(867)445-5001 or steven_nicholas@avensseniors.com
Dear Resident Families and Friends,
The care of all residents, staff and families remains at the top of our minds as we settle in for the stay in Alberta. Our team continues to work with Best Western Hotels, Alberta Health Services and local organizations to ensure your family members are safe and secure.
As of today, AVENS has secured a brand new 30-bed facility called the Waterford of Summerlea at 9395 172st NW, Edmonton, AB and also 19-units at the Christenson Telford Mews located at 41 Athapaskan Drive in Leduc, Alberta for all residents. Our care team will continue to provide support at both locations during and after the transfer occurs. The logistics of the transfers are currently underway with the acquisition of new beds, linens, clothing and support services including food, laundry and housekeeping.
Rest assured that our team is doing everything to provide the best services during this time:
As a reminder, our Health and Wellness team are working on assisting residents with facetime visits and phone calls this week. If you would like to visit, please contact Jessica Ewing at (867) 446-9355.
Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
AVENS Leadership team.
Dear Resident Families and Friends,
We hope this message finds you well and that you have brought yourself and family to safety. The last 4 to 5 days have been extremely stressful and challenging for all Northerners. AVENS team came together in this moment of crisis and worked to bring your loved one to safety. There have been many challenges along the way, however our team has worked hard in each instance to ensure the safety of the residents in our care.
The first goal for our team was to bring everyone to safety. The team has been able to connect with local organizations and Alberta Health Services to help secure supplies, extra help and other items as they have come up. When we left Yellowknife, we were unable to take many of the supplies we prepared and a generous portion of our mobility equipment, due to space constraints. Last night, some of these items were shipped to us, this will give our team more tools to assist your loved ones and give the residents more independence.
The Best Western Hotel team has been incredibly supportive and helpful in our complex situation. Our team has been working on securing other arrangements for the residents, as we recognize that a longer-term solution is required, to ensure our staff are able to support and care for your loved one with all the necessary tools.
Our team has been working with Alberta Health Services and have secured a 30-bed secure facility for some of our residents. Our team is working on ensuring the space is set up and safe for your loved one, when we know more information regarding this, we will share it with you. We are hopeful that by Wednesday, the residents will be transferred to this facility.
We understand that separation from your family members is especially hard during these times of uncertainty but encourage families to visit and help if able and are in the area. Our Health and Wellness team will be working on assisting residents with facetime visits and phone calls this week. If you would like to visit, please contact Jessica Ewing at (867) 446-9355. She will assist you in finding the location of your family member, as we are currently at 2 hotels.
Your trust in us is of the utmost importance, and we are committed to upholding it through every step of this process. Please take comfort in the fact that your family members are in capable hands, and their safety and comfort remain our top priorities.
Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
AVENS Leadership team.
All residents have safely arrived in Leduc, AB. Our team is onsite working with extra help from local organizations ensuring the safety, comfort and care of all residents. We are committed to keeping resident families up to date with the latest information and full contact information is listed below.
Sincerely,
AVENS Leadership team.
Good Evening,
City of Yellowknife has announced a city-wide evacuation for residents of Yellowknife. AVENS has been working closely with the City of Yellowknife and the Government of the Northwest Territories to ensure a plan is in place for an event such as this.
Below is a high-level summary of our plan. Within the next 24 - 48 hours all the residents of AVENS will be airlifted to Edmonton. AVENS team has secured accommodation with the Best Western Premier Denham Inn and Suites in Edmonton Alberta. We are unsure of how long we will be temporarily away, however have prepared a small travel pack for each resident, supplies for 48 hours, medication and staff to accompany them on their journey.
We recognize that some families may want to take their family members into their care during this time. This is an option; however we do recommend that all residents travel with the group and remain with AVENS. In the event you want to take your loved one home, you will be required to sign a release of responsibility and AVENS may not be able to assist you until we are able to come home to Yellowknife. If you want to discuss this option, please connect with myself ASAP.
We will be posting information on the website as the situation develops. We will also do our best to ensure communications are sent via email, when changes occur and when we arrive to our temporary lodging. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the following individuals for more information:
For general information or concerns please contact:
Daryl Dolynny- Chief Executive Officer
(867) 445-2000 or daryl_dolynny@avensseniors.com
For resident care questions please contact:
Frances Marshall – Director of Care
(867) 445-5853 or frances_marshall@avensseniors.com
For employee specific questions please contact:
Lindsey Dwojak – Director of HR
Lindsey_dwojak@avensseniors.com
For Operations type questions please contact:
Steven Nicholas– Director of Operations
(867)445-5001 or steven_nicholas@avensseniors.com
We understand this is a very stressful time, for all the residents of the Northwest Territories and there are many unknowns in the days ahead. Our time is working hard to ensure that the residents of AVENS have a safe place to be, during this unfortunate situation.
Dear Resident Families and Friends,
I hope this message finds you well, despite the challenging circumstances we are facing. I want to take a moment to reach out to you and provide reassurance regarding the safety and well-being of your cherished family members who are currently under our care at AVENS.
As you are aware, the recent wildfire situation in the Yellowknife area has prompted us to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety of our residents. Our top priority is the welfare of your loved ones, and I want to assure you that every possible measure has been taken to guarantee their security during this transition.
We have worked closely with emergency response teams and authorities to orchestrate a smooth and safe evacuation process. We have over 16 dedicated staff members, who are trained in care and support services, that are accompanying each resident throughout the journey to our Edmonton facility. Rest assured that their needs, both medical and emotional, are being met with the utmost care and attention.
The Edmonton facilities, where your loved ones will be temporarily relocated, is fully equipped to provide the same high level of care that they have been accustomed to. Our team has meticulously prepared to welcome them and ensure that their daily routines are maintained as closely as possible, minimizing any disruption during this challenging time.
We understand that separation from your family members, especially during times of uncertainty, can be distressing. Please know that we are here for you as well. Our dedicated staff is available to provide updates on your loved ones' well-being and to answer any questions you may have. Regular communication will be maintained via our website to keep you informed about the situation and the return of your loved ones to Yellowknife once it is safe to do so.
We are embarking your loved ones as we speak, and they will be flying on a military Herc to Edmonton. We have plenty of space and the military staff have been amazing to work with. Our arrival time in Edmonton should be approximately 8:30 PM, where our ground shuttle crew will be there to take them to their designated hotels.
Your trust in us is of the utmost importance, and we are committed to upholding it through every step of this process. Please take comfort in the fact that your family members are in capable hands, and their safety and comfort remain our top priorities.
Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
AVENS Leadership team.
