Plans for wellness hub in Timmins moving forward

The Cochrane District Services Board has finalized the purchase of a former hotel in Timmins, where a proposed wellness hub would be located.

The Cochrane District Services Board has finalized the purchase of a former hotel in Timmins, where a proposed wellness hub would be located.

Now the board is hoping for a positive funding announcement from the province.

What was once the Ramada Inn is now a Wellness Centre of Excellence in waiting. The services board officially owns the 105-room hotel and signs of progress are underway.

While awaiting word on HART Hub funding, the board is doing what it can to get ready. It’s doing work inside the building and it’s meeting with community partners.

"We can't finalize things until we find out if we do get the funding and … they said that they wouldn't announce the successful applicants until January," said the board's Jean Carriere.

"They didn't provide a specific date, but that may push back some of the consultations that we want to do with the community. We want to be able to be armed with the best information that we can to be able to paint a picture for the community (about) exactly what we're planning."