Summit Wellness Centre Update: City of Kawartha Lakes Backs Community-Led Health Hub

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The dream of a state-of-the-art community health and wellness hub, in northern Kawartha Lakes, is one step closer to reality.

The Summit Wellness Centre (SWC) project team recently provided an enthusiastic update to City of Kawartha Lakes council, highlighting major construction milestones and securing additional financial support, to keep the project on schedule.

The SWC, located at the historic train station, in Coboconk, is a community-driven initiative spearheaded by the Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce. Once completed, it will offer a wide range of services, including: family doctors and after-hours care, dental, physio, mental health supports, seniors' programming, a business incubator, and more. The Coboconk Pharmacy and Coboconk and Area Food Bank will also relocate to the new centre.

Jennifer Wilson, Operations Director for the Summit Wellness Centre, emphasized the grassroots strength behind the project."This project is a true testament to the power of community," Ms. Wilson explained. "More than 1,500 donations have come in already, showing how deeply people care about having accessible healthcare and services right here, in northern Kawartha Lakes."

With foundational and structural work completed; interior construction underway; and exterior heritage renovations, to the train station, set for spring, the Centre is aiming for a grand opening in late 2025.

The project’s estimated cost has risen to $17.5 million. To date, over $1.3 million has been raised locally, and the City of Kawartha Lakes had previously committed $10 million. Additional funding, from the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and a planning grant from the Ministry of Health, has supported the build.

However, to keep momentum and avoid delays, while awaiting two major pending grants, $2.4 million from the Ministry of Health and $3 million from the federal Ministry of Infrastructure, the community asked council for an additional $6.5 million in funding.

Council approved the additional funding request, during the meeting.

Mayor Doug Elmslie praised the project’s impact and progress."The Summit Wellness Centre is going to change the face of healthcare and community life, for northern Kawartha Lakes," he said. "Council is proud to continue standing behind this important project."

Once complete, the SWC will serve many communities, including: Norland, Kirkfield, Burnt River, Rosedale, Woodville, Coboconk, and surrounding areas. Service delivery partners, already committed, include: the Kawartha North Family Health Team, Dr. Warsi’s practice, Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes, and Ross Memorial Hospital.

"This is about more than a building, it's about building healthier, stronger communities," Ms. Wilson added. "We can't wait to celebrate Opening Day with everyone who made it possible."

Construction continues through 2025, with hopes high for a ribbon-cutting celebration before winter sets in.