Designs are said to be underway regarding what a new Porcupine Health Unit building would entail.

It’s a move that would spell the end of the PHU’s tenure at their current building on Pine South, due to what’s said to be a lack of size.

As part of Tuesday’s council package, they included minutes from an April 21st PHU meeting.

In it, they say the Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lianne Catton advised the board they are “working on a draft floor plan with J. L. Richards” and a staff consultation session scheduled the following week.

“Management and staff has been consulted along the way, especially with respect to clinic design and function,” the minutes detailed.

Councillor Rick Dubeau brought attention to those minutes Tuesday, seeking more information.

Mayor Steve Black says the issue is the PHU has their own building and rent space in several others, due to the lack of space.

With the addition of new programs over the last number of years, he adds they need more space to operate.

It also provides the opportunity to consolidate all the programs under one roof, to save money on rental costs.

Where the PHU would move is anybody’s guess at this point. Dubeau suggested the building housing The Daily Press as an option, adding other options downtown should be looked at.

Councillor Pat Bamford says re-modelling a building could prove to be a challenge, adding he gets the impression the needs can only be met with a full redesign of a building.

“There are specialized rooms that are required, a whole variety of issues with people going in for personal health issues, for privacy…there’s a needle exchange program,” he said, “There’s a whole variety of things where they need the building to be designed so that there’s privacy and can accommodate specialized needs in today’s world.”

CLICK HERE to view the conversation at Timmins city council, under the Consent Agenda.

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