The proposed new north end health facility got a boost last week as the Northwest Regional Hospital District voted to pick up 40 percent of the cost, says Masset mayor Barry Pages.
It's traditional for the hospital district to pay 40 percent of the tab for hospital and clinic construction, with the province contributing the other 60 percent. But in this case, the other 60 percent will be put up by a partnership of Old Massett, Masset, Port Clements and the Northern Health Authority.
The preliminary budget for the project, including site development, is $7.2 million, Mr. Pages said. It will replace Masset's hospital and will also serve as a community health centre.
The hospital district - which has directors from all over the northwest region - made the decision to back the Masset project after meeting in Masset on Friday (July 23). Northern Health Authority officials also attended the meeting, Mr. Pages said.
"It was a pretty positive meeting," he said. "There was lots of positive feedback on the model and the design development scope."
The architect is continuing to refine the design, with a final plan expected at the end of September, Mr. Pages said.
The three villages are now working on financing and a lease agreement with the Northern Health Authority, and expect to hold a public meeting in October or November with more details, he said.
If all goes well, he said, construction could start by spring of 2005, and the building could be ready to move into by April 2006.