Councillors hear an update on the Summit Wellness Centre project

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Representatives from the Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce (CNACC) provided Kawartha Lakes councillors with an update on the Summit Wellness Centre project in Coboconk at a meeting on Tuesday, March 21st.

The new Wellness Centre will be a hub for community health and community space for the under-served northern areas of Kawartha Lakes. The Centre will offer more doctors and after-hours care, along with dental and physio.

“The Summit Wellness Centre, in Coboconk, is a collaborative project between the municipality, the CNACC and the community. The Summit Wellness Centre will provide the northern areas of Kawartha Lakes with health and wellness services and a community gathering space,” explained a Kawartha Lakes press release.

CNACC general manager Jennifer Wilson expressed her appreciation for council’s support of the project. “The community is really excited to see this project completed,” she said.

She also discussed the current state of the project. “In the area of design and construction, a site plan application was submitted in August of 2021, and we understand now that all approvals have been given for the project to proceed with site plan approval. A plan is in place to temporarily move the original train station building off of its current and fractured foundation to allow for a new foundation to be constructed. Architectural design drawings are complete for the historic building and the new construction. The next step is construction drawings, which will allow us to apply for a building permit.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $16 million. The City of Kawartha Lakes has allocated up to $10 million for the project. Community fundraising has brought the project $1 million. Project organizers are also working with Ontario’s Ministry of Health for funding for the project.

Ms. Wilson said she feels the success of their community fundraising initiative is “a clear signal that the services [which are] planned are much needed.”

More information on the project can be found online at: summitwellnesscentre.ca.