PORT HARDY—John Tidbury gave his fellow Port Hardy Councillors an update on Island Health’s proposed Primary Care Centre at last week’s council meeting.
And it seems the prognosis is good for the project, although paying for the estimated $1.9 million facility may add some complications.
Coun. Tidbury presented both a floor plan for the 4,750 sq. ft. centre and a site plan showing where the proposed clinic would be situated.
But the news that the financial side of the project was yet to be finalized came as a surprise to some in the chambers.
“Vancouver Island Health is proposing around 1.9 million (dollars) to construct this, including buying the doctors’ facilities,” Coun. Tidbury told council.
“Island Health are proposing cost sharing, they’re proposing 40 per cent to come from the (Regional District of Mount Waddington),” he continued, noting that figure was still to be negotiated.
“I thought that this had already been sorted out,” said Coun. Nikki Shaw to several nods from around the table.
Coun. Tidbury confirmed that negotiations were still ongoing as to the degree of cost sharing but noted that, for all parties, “It is a priority.”
When asked about a time frame for breaking ground on the project Coun. Tidbury gave a shrug. “Until we figure out payments…” he replied.
Architects were scheduled to meet with administrative staff last week to further discuss the project.
Wounded warrior
Councillors praised local efforts in giving a warm send-off to the participants in the Wounded Warrior Run BC.
Coun. Rick Marcotte told council that over $2,000 was raised locally for the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder fund- and awareness-raising event.
A team of runners made the trek from Port Hardy to Victoria for the cause, relaying the 600 km in six days.
Councillors were present for both a meet and greet event and the 6 a.m. commencement of the run.
“We were up bright and early that morning,” said Coun. Tidbury. “They got a send off from the fire department and myself.”
The team were also presented with a Port Hardy flag before their run. Coun. Tidbury informed Council that the team had kept the flag with them and added signatures to it from Royal Canadian Legion members at each stop along the route.
