Every city has its own psychiatric hospital, and Alberta is no exception. The province enacted its first Insanity Act in 1907, paving the way for the establishment of its first psychiatric hospital. More on iedmonton.net.
Establishing the Hospital
The hospital was built in Ponoka, near the Hudson’s Bay post, 90 kilometers south of Edmonton. Edmonton had been a major hub for fur trading before becoming a center for constructing the transcontinental Pacific Railway, which was crucial for exporting fur.
As mental illness became increasingly common, the local government decided to build a psychiatric hospital in a designated area. Today, the building is preserved as a “Heritage Building,” maintaining its historical significance.
Ponoka is located in a region of gently rolling plains, ideal for mixed agricultural activities. The hospital was situated on slightly elevated marshy ground. Over time, the landscape transformed with the growth of large trees, lawns, and gardens.
The four-story building officially opened in 1911, covering an area of 58,000 square feet with a capacity of 175 beds. The facility included a separate boiler room for heating, private rooms, day rooms, a kitchen, and laundry facilities.
The third-floor plan featured a mix of single and double rooms evenly distributed. Double corridors were designed for efficient staff movement but did not provide seating for outpatients.
The structure was well-built with steel frames and concrete floors. Aesthetic details and ornamentation were minimal. By 1911, the Ponoka hospital was ready, and Alberta repatriated its mentally ill residents from asylums in Manitoba. At that time, 164 individuals with chronic, incurable mental illnesses were relocated from Brandon to Ponoka.
The transfer was conducted using a specially outfitted train with four large cars and one tourist car. All windows were barred, and the journey was supervised by 40 attendants and nurses.
Life at the Hospital
Initially, the hospital was designed to accommodate 250 patients, with care based on the principles of moral management. Dr. Thomas Dawson, who lacked formal psychiatric training, was appointed as the first superintendent of the hospital.
Despite Alberta’s low hospitalization rates, the province faced challenges of population growth and overcrowding in shelters. To address the demand for beds, additional buildings were rapidly constructed.
In 1912, the hospital began building a second wing, which was completed the same year. As Alberta’s population continued to grow, so did the hospital. Eventually, it had 400 beds for psychiatric patients, of which 285 were occupied.
Treatment was provided by Ponoka’s top psychiatrists. Psychotropic medications were the primary method of treatment. Beyond medical care, the hospital organized recreational activities for patients. Annual events included sports competitions and parades. Activities such as tug-of-war, sack races, long jumps, and high jumps were part of the festivities.
Musicians often visited the hospital, football matches were held, and lemonade, food, and drinks were sold during these events. At Christmas, indoor celebrations entertained staff and children, though patients only observed the festivities without participating.