Demolition work, to make way for an addictions hub at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, is expected to finish in October, the hospital group’s facilities manager says.
Demolition work, to make way for an addictions hub at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, is expected to finish in October, the hospital group’s facilities manager says.
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Jayden Construction has been tackling the $2.2-million project, said Jack Vanderveen.
“Asbestos abatement was completed last week,” he said.
Elevator electrical and mechanical retrofits, in the building next to Russell Street closed in 2010, by Sarnia’s hospital are also planned, to get them up to current standards, and sprinklers and fire alarms are going in at the eventual home for the 24-bed hub , he said.
That’s interim work as talks continue with the provincial Health Ministry about architectural drawings to build the hub, he said, noting Bluewater Health most recently estimated that work at $16 million.
“We’ve had several meetings with the ministry and different branches of the ministry discussing the architectural layout, the flow,” he said, “and we’ve landed on some modifications to try to meet their needs, and we’ve felt that back to them.”
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Flow concerns are mostly about infection control standards in case of an outbreak, he said.
There’s no timeline for when construction might begin, but it’s expected to take about a year, when it does, to convert the first three floors of the vacant building to accommodate the hub, Vanderveen said.
“Once (the ministry) approve(s) this internship, we have to do one more quick review with them and then we can go out to tender,” he said.
It’s taken longer than expected to build the addictions hub that was promised 100 per cent provincial funding in February 2022, after decades of local pleading.
Bluewater Health officials said at the time they hoped construction would start within two years.
“We are doing as much as we can as fast as we can (to get ready) because we know there is a need in the community and we do need those additional beds,” said Donna Morreau, integrated mental health and addictions director with Bluewater Health and the Lambton-Kent Canadian Mental Health Association branch.
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Seven interim withdrawal management beds have been operating in Sarnia’s hospital for about six years.
There are also 12 beds at Ryan’s House, a 30-day stabilization and transitional facility. Those beds move to the hub, once it’s built, officials have said.
“On a daily basis, we have at least approximately 20 calls for a bed, and often one or two may be available,” Morreau said.
“So, there is a need.”
The project is important locally and Bluewater Health is “adamant” about moving forward with it, she said.
“I know the community is behind that as well. So, we’re anxious for answers from the ministry and approvals to keep moving.”
Ministry officials did not immediately respond Thursday to an email seeking information.
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