Bondfield: Algoma Public Health Ground Breaking

WHAT'S NEW


	Ground broken on new Algomo Public Health Building By Carol Martin SooToday.com Published: Thursday, October 15, 2009 Work has begun on the brand new, LEED-standard, state-of-the-art Algoma Public Health building at Sault College. Guido Caputo, chair of the APH board of directors, says it's a lead building as well as an environmentally positive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building in that it's the first building to cement a relationship between a college and a health unit in Ontario. "This building will be an example and, while it is the first of its kind, it won't be alone for long," Caputo (shown, left with John Currie, APH vice chair) said during the groundbreaking ceremonies at Sault College this afternoon. The full text of a release from Sault MPP David Orazietti follows: ****************************** Orazietti announces launch of construction on new $22 million Algoma Public Health building McGuinty government stimulus funding will help create new jobs and boost local economy. SAULT STE. MARIE - David Orazietti, MPP was joined today by colleague Mike Brown MPP, Dr. Allan Northan, medical officer of health and other staff to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new $22 million Algoma Public Health building. “This new facility will improve care in Sault Ste. Marie by offering all public health services in one convenient location while providing medical professionals with a state-of-the-art building and the technology they need to better serve residents,” said Orazietti. “Our government’s support for this project is part of our continuing commitment to improve health care in Sault Ste. Marie, which includes the construction of a new hospital, the creation of a nurse practitioner clinic and opening a northern medical school.” On June 5 of this year, Orazietti announced provincial funding for the new $22 million Algoma Public Health building. The development of this facility will combine the delivery of public health programs with an innovative nurse practitioner-led clinic on the site of Sault College while creating expanded research and teaching opportunities. As well, the project will allow for the consolidation of five different Algoma Public Health offices in the community and realize savings of $100,000 to $150,000 annually which will help to improve health services. In the new facility, the Algoma Public Health Unit will provide community health forums, emergency facilities, distance education and expanded space for Sault College health sciences programs. The centre will also include four classrooms equipped with multi-media capabilities. The construction of the new Algoma Public Health building is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to support the local economy. During the past year, over $100 million in provincial stimulus funding combined with other provincial initiatives has been committed to our community. These investments will create jobs this construction season and the next, stimulate the economy, and give the community renewed infrastructure that will serve the area for years to come. Some of the infrastructure projects supported by the McGuinty government in cooperation with the federal government to stimulate Sault Ste. Marie’s economy include: $408 million new Sault Area Hospital project $70 million for new schools $24 million for Invasive Species Research Centre $22 million for a new Algoma Public Health Unit Centre $16 million for capital upgrades at Sault College $16 million for Biosciences Centre at Algoma University $10 million to extend Third Line $5 million to expand the Hub Trail and Waterfront Walkway to increase recreational opportunities $5 million to refurbish the Agawa Canyon Tour Train $4.9 million to improve social housing $3.3 million to improve local recreation facilities including the YMCA $2 million for an innovative tire recycling project $1.5 million to improve commercial rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury Photos of Ground broken on new Algomo Public Health Building 11 photos found. Article courtesy of the SooToday