One thing is for sure, officials working in the new Porcupine Health Unit building will have plenty of space to work with. And with all their services housed under one roof, the PHU will save some cash at the same time.

Health Unit officials unveiled their plans to Timmins city council Tuesday night to build a 38,000 square foot facility on the corner of Vimy and Theriault Boulevard.

They say this building was seven years in the making, after the city suggested eight different sites to them almost seven years ago.

The board made an offer for land in 2011 and the purchase was finalized in March 2014.

The new building, they say, is necessary so they can house all services under one roof and provide more space for clients.

It will be funded through existing PHU reserves and their existing rental budget line.  Thus, “increased funding will not be required from the city.”

They didn’t provide a dollar figure on this building. However, Councillor Rick Dubeau hinted it’s just north of $10 million dollars.

It was a point of contention for the Ward 5 councillor, who adds there were concerns that the downtown will suffer with the PHU’s move to the north end of town.

Dubeau says the decision to move seven years ago was “based on old information,” adding the PHU is “integral” to the health of the downtown.

He adds he’s been approached by a number of landlords of area buildings that are willing to negotiate renovations.

Councillor Joe Campbell raises the question on where the other eight possibilities were. It was confirmed by the PHU that none of those locations were located in the downtown.

The closest would be the Timcor building on the corner of Third Avenue and Spruce South, which is housing some PHU services at the moment.

Councillor Pat Bamford denounced any of the questions regarding exploring other locations. He says we’re “way beyond the eleventh hour” on that front.

Dubeau disputes that claim, adding council has changed it’s mind on things in the past and it’s not too late on this.

In the end, Mayor Steve Black says it’s not a decision for council to make at all, but rather one for the PHU Board of Directors. The PHU voted unanimously in favour of this new location.

Black admits businesses in the downtown may not like the move, but council should look into strategies for the downtown moving forward.

It’s anticipated construction will start in March 2018, with completion in the fall of 2019.

CLICK HERE to see the presentation from the PHU.

CLICK HERE to view council’s discussion on the matter, under Item 3.

Filed under: Local News