MICHIPICOTEN FIRST NATION,
ON, May
1, 2024 /CNW/ - Retrofits and an expansion are
coming to the Michipicoten First Nation Health Centre. The federal
government is supporting this project with an investment of over
$1.5 million from the Green and
Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program.
Announced by Minister Sean Fraser
and Chief Patricia Tangie, upgrades
to the health centre will make it easier to access, more
client friendly, and a safer environment for all, while 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 Michipicoten First Nation Health Centre currently serves the
community by offering comprehensive health and wellness care,
services, and programs in both Ojibway and English. These
essential upgrades will enable the health center to better address
the physical and mental health needs of youth, adults, and elders
within the community.
Quotes
"This is great news for the Michipicoten First Nation Health
Centre. By expanding, it will have space to grow its inclusive
health and wellness services. Retrofits will improve the facility's
energy efficiency, while upgrades to the centre will also increase
patient privacy, staff safety, infection control, and accessibility
for all."
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities
"Contributing to a healthier environment has always been and
continues to be a high priority for Michipicoten. 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."
Patricia Tangie, Chief,
Michipicoten First Nation
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $1,572,81 in this project through the Green and
Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program.
- These enhancements are expected to reduce the facility's energy
consumption by an estimated 61.3% and greenhouse gas emissions by
3.1 tonnes annually.
- The GICB program was created in support of Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy
Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan's
first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing
energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate
change.
- The program is providing $1.5
billion over five years towards green and accessible
retrofits, repairs or upgrades.
- At least 10% of funding is allocated to projects serving First
Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous
populations in urban centres.
- The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community
Buildings Program is now closed.
Associated Links
Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada