Update on plans for wellness hub in Timmins

The Cochrane District Services Board has finalized the purchase of a former hotel in Timmins, where a proposed wellness hub would be located.

Now the board is hoping for a positive funding announcement from the province.

What was once the Ramada Inn is now a Wellness Centre of Excellence in waiting. The Cochrane District Services Board officially owns the 105-room hotel and signs of progress are underway. (Photo from video)

What was once the Ramada Inn is now a Wellness Centre of Excellence in waiting. The services board officially owns the 105-room hotel and signs of progress are underway.

While awaiting word on HART Hub funding, the board is doing what it can to get ready. It’s doing work inside the building and it’s meeting with community partners.

"We can't finalize things until we find out if we do get the funding and … they said that they wouldn't announce the successful applicants until January," said the board's Jean Carriere.

"They didn't provide a specific date, but that may push back some of the consultations that we want to do with the community. We want to be able to be armed with the best information that we can to be able to paint a picture for the community (about) exactly what we're planning."

Carriere said a 'HART' stands for 'homeless and addiction recovery treatment.' One of the centre’s main features will be 24-hour supportive housing, including mental health and addiction services.

And he said converting the former hotel into a micro-community to help some of the city’s most vulnerable people will be transformative.

"We need all of the communities within the region to participate and provide their feedback," Carriere said.

They know people in the area have concerns and the board is reaching out to stakeholders.

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"We have consulted with several businesses, with the schools," he said.

"In those consultations, we've also explored options with businesses in the area and there's some businesses that have expressed interest in being able to hire people who are, participating in treatment."

Among the 30 partners working alongside Cochrane District Services is Mushkegowuk Council.

Acting Grand Chief Natasha Martin said she believes in the power of partnerships and said each group comes with its own specialty.

Together, they make a strong force.

"Those people that will be assisting those are our brothers, our sisters, you and that's our family will be helping and in the Indigenous way of life," Martin said.

"In order for us to succeed, our family has to be doing well -- our family has to be healthy."

Officials said they also plan to include land- and faith-based healing services at the centre and for anyone needing assistance, everything will be there.