THE RAIN didn’t dampen the grand opening of the Kitsumkalum Health Centre this morning.
People from the community, Kitsumkalum chief councillor Don Roberts, Mildred Roberts, Terrace city officials, many others and Health Canada representative Prince George-Peace River MP Bob Zimmer, came out for the opening.
Mildred Roberts said she worked for Kitsumkalum Health for nearly 20 years, wanted to work until she turned 80 and told Health Canada she would continue working until the health centre was done.
She, along with a Kitsumkalum child, cut the ribbon following her opening prayer and chief Don Roberts opening remarks and thanks-yous to those involved with making the health centre a reality.
Visitors then were let in to look around the building and then to the Kitsumkalum Hall for a feast.
Project management of the 4,423 square foot one-storey facility fell to Vancouver-based Unitech Construction Management with Lubor Trubka Associates Architects handling design and other project responsibilities.
Built on a slab, seven feet of rock was first placed on the site to raise the property above the 100-foot flood level.
The building is wood framed with heavy timbers and is equipped with an extensive sprinkler system inside and outside under the eaves.
Security cameras have been installed inside and outside.
Earlier this year, Don Roberts said the new building was badly needed as health centre and other workers were housed in trailers which had long ago outlived their usefulness.
In addition to regular health unit staffers, there’ll be space for a visiting dentist and eye specialist.
And there will also be office space for the RCMP’s community policing office.
