The Middlesex-London Health Unit will reach a significant milestone when the Board of Health meets this Thursday evening. After a process that began in 2015, the Board will consider a recommendation to disband its Relocation Advisory Committee, marking the final step in the Health Unit’s move to its new home at downtown London’s Citi Plaza.
The three-phase construction project, which began last July, was completed under budget. Through creative and innovative use of space, the Health Unit is comfortably moving from 85,000 square feet into 68,000 square feet of former retail and call centre space. The first phase included the second floor and was finished in late December of 2019. The second phase focused on the first floor, while the third phase involved the lower level and loading dock areas. While the second and third phases of the work were completed by mid-March, the Health Unit has only been able to open its doors in a limited way since March 30th, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The Relocation Project Update report being considered by the Board of Health on Thursday, outlines the work undertaken by the Board’s chosen contractor, michael + clark Construction, as well as the construction timeline. The report also notes some timing challenges caused by demands on certain trades including drywalling and electrical work, as well as clinical change orders to ensure a top quality space for Health Unit clients and staff.
“This has been an epic five year journey for all of the staff at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. The wisdom and skills of our excellent frontline staff, management, and Board members all combined to make this project so successful,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Even though many of our staff are working remotely or are otherwise out of the office due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the move into our new space is a crucial milestone.”
While the pandemic has made it necessary to limit access to the new location and change the way it provides programs and services, the Health Unit looks forward to a time when it will be able to formally welcome the community to the new space.
This week’s virtual meeting of the Board of Health will be held on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. A link to attend the virtual meeting through Microsoft Teams will be available on the Health Unit’s website Thursday evening: https://www.healthunit.com/live-streaming.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit