A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday to mark the start of construction of a new $4-million health centre on Lheidli T'enneh Nation land.
Located in the northside neighbourhood, the single-storey wood-framed building will contain medical exam and treatment spaces, a dental treatment room, community health and wellness lounge, staff offices and a lobby and gallery area.
It will replace the existing facility which is housed in construction type trailers.
A small group of Lheidli T'enneh council members and staff participated in the ceremony. LTN Dayi Clay Pountney said the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic prevented the nation from hosting a bigger event.
"However, we wanted to do something to mark this historic occasion as this is the first health center the nation has ever constructed from the ground up," he said. "Our members will receive the best of medical, dental, health and wellness care in the new center which will have state-of-the-art equipment and facilities."
He said members have asked for a new centre for many years and past councils and staff have worked hard to find the funding for the project.
