The province’s infrastructure minister says the new site for Fort McMurray’s long-term care centre is a better choice.
The government has announced that instead of building the seniors’ centre at Willow Square by the hospital, it’ll be built in Parsons Creek.
Jeff Johnson says there’ll be several advantages to that.
“We’re going to be able to build it six months sooner,” he said. “And significantly less expensive; we anticipate it’s going to be 10% less expensive.”
He also says the new site will better allow for future expansion of the facility, and for integration with an upcoming clinic being built in Parsons Creek as well.
He says the municipal affairs department is looking at using the Willow Square land for affordable housing.
Construction is expected to begin in fall 2012, with completion expected in spring 2014.
