A critical investment in care for families across Alberta, the Government of Alberta has announced $3.25 million in funding to support the redevelopment of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital therapeutic pool, an important step toward returning access to aquatic therapy for patients across the province.
In November 2024, structural failure forced the closure of the Glenrose therapeutic pool, leaving thousands of Albertans without access to a service that played a key role in their rehabilitation care. Prior to its closure, the pool supported healing and recovery for more than 6,000 patients each year, including children, adults, and older adults living with life-altering injuries, illnesses, or diagnoses.
For decades, the pool provided unique benefits not available in land-based rehabilitation settings alone. Aquatic therapy allows for earlier and safer movement, helps reduce pain, and creates an environment where patients can rebuild strength, confidence, and independence.
Matt Rawluk experienced the impact of aquatic therapy firsthand during his month-long stay at the Glenrose while recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Like many patients, access to water-based therapy supported him, both physically and emotionally, during a challenging period.
“The second I came into the pool, it alleviated the pain. I was able to pull myself to the railing and get to the parallel bars. I took my first unassisted steps in that pool. I’ll never forget that moment and how much it meant to me,” shares Matt.
Aquatic therapy plays an important role in rehabilitation for many patients. Buoyancy reduces body weight up to 90%, allowing individuals to move and bear weight earlier in their recovery. Warm water eases pain and muscle tightness, while the natural resistance of water strengthens muscles without placing additional stress on joints.
“The water is such a unique intervention, there really is nothing like it. There are so many times when we can have a patient in the water who is moving totally different. Their muscles feel different and their mood feels different in a way that is not comparable to land,” says Shannell Corrodas-Kasper, recreation therapist at the Glenrose.
The funding will support the redevelopment of a modern aquatic rehabilitation facility, including three specialized therapy pools, universal accessibility features, and updated rehabilitation technologies designed to meet diverse patient needs.
“Patients, families, and clinicians have told us again and again how important this pool is to their recovery journey, both physically and mentally. We are thrilled that the Government of Alberta recognizes its value and is supporting the return of this essential service for Albertans,” says Mark Korthuis, President & CEO at the Glenrose Hospital Foundation.
While government funding addresses core infrastructure, philanthropic support will ensure the facility is fully equipped to deliver comprehensive, patient-centred care. The Foundation’s overall fundraising goal for the project is $6.5 million.
Rebuilding the therapeutic pool is about restoring a critical component of care, and ensuring thousands of Albertans can once again access therapy that supports recovery and independence.
For more information on how you can support our campaign to rebuild the therapeutic pool, contact us at [email protected].
Donate today to help us reach our $6.5 million goal and bring aquatic therapy back to the Glenrose.
