CHESTERMERE – The construction of the Chestermere Community Health Centre (CCHC) has begun in the Kinniburgh development and no one is happier to see that happening than Co-Chair Health Centre Committee, Karen Wourms. She has been instrumental leading this project from the ground up and is finally seeing some results from the fruits of her labour. The Chestermere Health Committee has met on a monthly basis for the past 3 years to bring this vision to reality. Wourms had moved to Chestermere 4 years ago and was surprized there were so few medical services in a town of more than 15,000 people. There is a huge population of young children, many of whom could get injured from playing sports; and yes they hoping they will have a cast clinic. “Chestermere needs this medical facility to save the residents in and around Chestermere from driving to and from either Calgary or Strathmore” said Wourms. “We have several seniors and young mom’s that need constant care of some kind and they shouldn’t need to drive so far to get that care”. Leslie Racz, another CCHC member said “The Alberta Health Services are taking over nearly 50% of the building and the rest will possibly be leased to other medical services such as radiology, ultrasound and lab services”. The new facility will be able to centralize existing home care, public health and mental health services currently provided by AHS in Strathmore. “There will also be a pharmacy and a coffee shop within the centre and the entire facility will be wheelchair accessible.
The CCHC had a ground breaking ceremony on March 29 of this year with several dignitaries such as former MLA Ted Morton and Mayor Patricia Matthews attending. The committee members and developer were initially hoping to start construction in June 2012 but had to postpone the start date. According to the developer Bob Gaidhar, Chief Development officer for Primefunds, said “The biggest delay we’ve had so far has been the architectural design, it’s got to be done right the first time; everyone has been great to work with”. Gaidhar added “Now that they have started digging and the services have been installed on the site, we think we can plan to have the building open in the spring of 2013”.
The emphasis for some members of the committee has been to retain and recruit doctors to the new Centre while others will be looking into sponsors for the facility. One of their efforts now is promoting health for all Chestermere residents by keeping the lines of communication open between the builder, Alberta Health Services, the Town, and the community.
The 22,000 square foot facility is located at 288 Kinniburgh Blvd, right across the street from where there are plans for a new K to 9 school to be completed sometime in 2014.
For more information about the project, visit their Facebook page under “Chestermere Community Health Centre”. You can also visit their website at www.chestermerehealth.ca or e-mail them at healthcommittee@chestermere.ca
Wourms asks “We strongly encourage all Chestermere residents to take the Town of Chestermere survey, which gives you the opportunity to have your say regarding services in our community”. “There are a couple of areas where healthcare is an issue, and you can voice your opinions and be heard”. “Please take the time to complete this survey and make a difference”.
