Trillium Lodge, a VIHA-owned residential care property in Parksville, has been identified as the location for the future Oceanside Urgent Care and Primary Care Centre. The new facility will be built on unused land on the property, and the subdivision will divide the site into two parcels – one for the existing Trillium Lodge and the other for the new Urgent Care and Primary Care Centre.
“This is a significant step forward for this much anticipated project for our community,” said Ron Cantelon, MLA Parksville-Qualicum. “The integrated range of health care services and increased service hours the new facility will offer will provide state-of-the-art health care to local residents, close to home.”
The Lark Group, which was identified as VIHA’s preferred proponent to build the new Centre following a Request for Proposal process last year, also anticipates seeking a development permit for the property in the coming weeks.
“While it is our understanding that the Trillium Lodge site is outside of the development permit zone, we have chosen to voluntarily go through this process to ensure the City of Parksville and area residents are supportive of our development plan,” said Larry Fisher of Lark Group. “The development permit process will allow for further community input into this key project.”
Earlier this year, VIHA announced the new Centre will operate a full range of primary care services as well as provide urgent or non-emergency care seven days per week from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm. Other health-related services such as laboratory, diagnostics (x-ray/ultrasound) and pharmacy are anticipated for the Centre and current VIHA programs such as home and community care, public health and mental health and addictions services will also be co-located in the building.
“We are excited to be able to offer the community of Oceanside an innovative and creative service model for health care that will meet the needs of local residents for the future,” said Howard Waldner, VIHA President and CEO. “In addition to obtaining the required permits, the next steps on this project include design development, sod turning, finalizing the construction schedule and service commencement.”
VIHA and its partners in the project continue to work with the Oceanside Division of Family Practice, local, regional and provincial governments, local residents and other stakeholders to finalize the health related and support services that will occupy the new building.
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Media Contact:
Anya Nimmon, Communications
Vancouver Island Health Authority
Phone: 250-740-6980
