Feds provide $1.5M in funding for renovations to Michipicoten First Nation Health Centre
The federal government is contributing more than $1.5 million to the renovation of the Michipicoten First Nation Health Centre.
Announced by Infrastructure Minister Sean Fraser and Chief Patricia Tangie, upgrades to the health centre will make it easier to access and more client friendly. The increased footprint will give the centre space to grow its health and wellness services.
Changes to the building layout will increase patient confidentiality when they speak to reception and are in examination rooms. Upgrades will also provide for better exit routes should an emergency arise. Moving hand washing from a central location to sinks in each examination room will strengthen infection control measures. Additionally, the building will be modified to fully accommodate patients with mobility issues.
Green initiatives like new roofing, insulation, and solar panels will save energy. As well, the addition of a backup generator, air conditioned cooling centre for heatwaves, and disaster relief provisions will allow the facility to function as a community emergency centre.
The enhancements are expected to reduce the facility's energy consumption by an estimated 61% and greenhouse gas emissions by 3.1 tonnes annually.
"Contributing to a healthier environment has always been and continues to be a high priority for Michipicoten,” said Tangie. “The green energy enhancements and changes to the building are necessary to promote the health and well being of our citizens today and into the future. With a growing population in our community, we appreciate the federal government investment in helping to create positive change through these health centre renovations."
The Michipicoten First Nation is located on the coast of Lake Superior, between Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
The community’s health centre currently offers comprehensive health and wellness care, services, and programs in both Ojibway and English.
The announced upgrades will enable the centre to better address the physical and mental health needs of youth, adults, and elders within the community.
Federal funding for the project is being provided through the government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The program is providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades, with at least 10% of total funding allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.