The town of Nokomis is rallying to upgrade critical health infrastructure with a fundraising campaign aimed at replacing the aging analog X-ray system at the Nokomis Health Centre. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Nokomis Health Centre Foundation and the Nokomis and Area Community Health Council.
The move follows a green light from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) last fall, granting the town permission to pursue funding for a new digital system. Mayor David Mark, who has led the town for over a decade, says this marks a significant step for local health care.
“Raising funds for new equipment has been a long time coming,” said Mark. “We’ve been advocating for nearly ten years. When we first started our inquiries, there was very little demand in rural areas for replacements, even while health authorities in cities like Regina were getting upgrades for free.”
With the digital system expected to significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities at the centre, the project carries both medical and regional importance.
“Some might look at Nokomis and say, ‘It’s just 400 people—why do they need an X-ray machine?’” said Mark. “But our doctors serve over 2,000 patients. We provide care to a wide region and have done so for over a century.”
As of June, the fundraising campaign has raised approximately $230,000 in cash, with another $35,000 to $40,000 pledged by local businesses and organizations. The target is $690,000—reduced from an original estimate of $900,000.
“We’ve had a significant start, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Mark. “The goal is to complete fundraising by the end of 2025, though we’re prepared to extend into early 2026 if needed.”
Efforts have also included outreach to provincial representatives, including Rural Health Minister Lori Carr and MLA Chris Beaudry. However, Mark noted that while there has been support in principle, no financial commitment has been made by the province.
“Minister Carr expressed interest but isn’t able to provide direct funding right now,” Mark said. “Still, we’re optimistic that our regional role will be recognized. If we can get this done here, we set a model for cost-effective upgrades elsewhere.”
The town is also emphasizing the economic and logistical benefits of having reliable medical imaging services locally. Without them, residents would face longer travel times and potential delays in diagnosis.
“Access to lab work, X-ray, hematology—these are basic services that rural residents deserve as much as anyone else,” Mark added. “If we can replace this machine here, it saves money in the long term for the SHA and improves outcomes for patients across the region.”
The mayor, a self-described advocate for small communities, underlined Nokomis’s long-standing tradition of resilience and self-reliance.
“I’ve been mayor for 13 years, and I’ve seen what small towns can do when they pull together,” he said. “We punch above our weight, and we deliver health services efficiently. Now we need a little help to keep doing that.”
While timelines remain fluid, Mark says the SHA has assured the town that equipment costs will remain fixed once a purchase agreement is in place, adding confidence to the campaign’s financial planning.
“We’re not just fundraising—we’re opening a broader conversation about how to invest in rural health care in a smart, sustainable way,” said Mark. “It’s not just about Nokomis. It’s about strengthening the whole system, one community at a time.”
Community events and donor campaigns are expected to continue throughout the year, as Nokomis works toward reaching its goal and modernizing its health centre for future generations.