New community health centre in Timmins will serve Francophone population

Timmins centre will serve Francophones A new Francophone community health centre is being built in Timmins on a property that used to house a French school.

A new Francophone community health centre is being built in Timmins. The Centre de Sante Communautaire de Timmins will house services under one roof on the property that was once home to École catholique St-Charles.

“Construction has begun,” said Michelle Stevens, executive director of Centre de Sante Communautaire de Timmins.

“They already started preparing the land, taking out the virgin soil and in the next couple of weeks, they'll be putting in the granular soil to start preparing the pouring of concrete. They're hoping to close off the exterior shell by the end of September so that they can work in the interior and be done by May of 2025.”

The province has spent nearly $17 million, which will offer a range of health services to Francophones in the region. Everything from primary care, to mental health and addictions to pediatrics will be available.

“I also think it is enticing for staff to know that there is going to be a new facility with optimum technical resources to provide to clients so I do think it's a good retention tool,” said Stevens.

Stevens said two part-time physicians are retained—one of them will work virtually. She said they’ve also employed two nurse practitioners, nurses, and mental health workers.