The Town and County of St. Paul are planning to begin construction on the new Wellness Center mid-September or early October, said Town CAO Ron Boisvert at a presentation to Town employees at an information session held Monday morning.
“It’s going to be a hub for the whole area,” said Boisvert. “Hopefully we can make this a one-stop, with enough services and doctors.”
The total projected cost of the Wellness Center is $6.3 million, with $2.5 million in provincial funding to arrive this week and commitments of $1 million dollars each from the Town and County.
Town and County submitted a Public Private Partnership (P3) funding request for $1.6 million to the federal government but have not heard back yet because of delays caused by the federal election.
If approved, the project would be short around $200,000. Project partners do not plan to let the projected shortfall hold up construction.
“It is going ahead for sure. A couple hundred thousand dollars is not going to stop us.”
3M Developments donated two acres of land located east of Canadian Tire. The plan includes space for 107 parking stalls and a 25,000 square foot building.
Several retail buildings including a large drug store are planned nearby the Wellness Centre and eventually a seniors housing complex to the south.
The building will be subdivided into an 11,000 square foot medical clinic for 15 doctors plus nurses, staff, medical students and offices for primary care. The plans call for 10 exam rooms but space for more will be available if needed.
Other health professionals will fill the remaining 14,000 square feet with educational information and health related businesses. The building is one floor and will be fully wheelchair accessible.
“Specialists have been contacted to rent the remaining space,” said Boisvert. “I have indicated that this is a go and if they want to rent space, it is available.”
He said specialists may only want one or two days per week so may choose to share a space. There is an area large enough for equipment such as MRIs. The remaining space may be used for distribution of educational materials or possibly renting to Tribal Chiefs. The Town and County of St. Paul will jointly own the building and space will be leased to each doctor individually.