Halifax Approves New Health Centre to Consolidate Services

Halifax is taking significant steps to support community health by approving plans for the North End Community Health Centre (NECHC) to construct a new facility. This initiative aims to bring various health services under one roof, addressing the growing needs of the community. The NECHC, which has expanded its staff from 23 to over 200 in recent years, will build a six-storey building that will house a medical clinic, dental care, street outreach programs, and housing support services.

Marie-France LeBlanc, President and CEO of NECHC, stated that the current location on Gottingen Street has become inadequate for their operations. With programs spread across the north end and staff operating from former storefronts, the organization seeks to centralize its services. “It’s really disparate. So we’re really hoping to bring everybody together,” LeBlanc explained.

New Designation and Supportive Housing Collaboration

The NECHC has opted for a more fitting name to reflect its expanded mission, as it now serves clients beyond the north end, including the Overlook supportive housing site in Dartmouth. However, the existing land-use bylaws did not accommodate the mix of office space, legal advice, and health services planned for the new site. The health centre will be situated behind Ozanam Place, a supportive housing project developed in partnership with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

To facilitate the project, the NECHC requested a new land-use designation from the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) that allows for greater flexibility. They also sought to eliminate a parking requirement, as a consultant indicated that many clients rely on public transportation or active transit. Implementing underground parking would add over $1 million to the project’s costs. In December, the community council approved HRM staff’s recommendation to create a new designation that supports non-profit health care and social service initiatives.

LeBlanc expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “That was wonderful. It’s a real acknowledgment of the work that we do and the work that needs to be done in HRM.”

Addressing Community Needs and Future Plans

Area councillor Virginia Hinch praised the project’s location, noting its alignment with the goal of providing comprehensive services within the community. “I hope everything goes according to plan,” Hinch remarked. Councillor Becky Kent added that this new designation could serve as a precedent for other organizations facing similar challenges, particularly as the demand for social services continues to rise.

The NECHC has occupied its current facility at 2131 Gottingen Street since 2017, after selling its original building. With over 50 years of service, the organization faces a pressing need for expansion, especially given that more than 1,000 individuals or families were recorded on the by-name list for homelessness in Halifax as of September 2023. LeBlanc noted the importance of creating a more welcoming and accessible space, contrasting it with their current building, which shares space with parole and child protection offices.

“It’s really necessary, and it’s a legacy project,” LeBlanc emphasized.

Plans for the new health centre anticipate a budget of approximately $30 million. LeBlanc confirmed that NECHC will focus on fundraising from both government and private sources. They will collaborate with FBM Architecture to develop detailed plans, with hopes of commencing construction within three years.

This initiative reflects Halifax’s commitment to enhancing health care access and support for its community, as it tackles ongoing challenges related to homelessness and health disparities.