About 60 islanders turned out last week to meetings in Masset, Old Massett and Port Clements to discuss plans for a new shared health facility, says Masset mayor Barry Pages.
Mr. Pages said the public got a look at an initial concept for the clinic-hospital drawn up by David Nairne and Associates.
"We got a lot of good input from the public," Mr. Pages said. "I guess the overall tone of the meetings was pretty positive. People were saying it's about time."
The three communities have been cooperating on a plan to build the new health facility themselves, then lease it back to the Northern Health Authority. Details of the business case are still being hammered out, Mr. Pages said.
David Nairne and Associates is now working on incorporating the changes suggested by the public and staff. Mr. Pages said more meetings will be held in the near future to update the public on the floor plan and on the financial aspects of the proposal.