New Medical Clinic Proposed for Linwood Community Centre Expansion

A proposal for a new medical clinic is set to transform the Linwood community, with plans for a 2,000-square-foot addition to the local community centre. This initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding between the Woolwich Community Health Centre (WCHC) and Wellesley Township, which was approved by the township’s committee of the whole on Tuesday.

Under the agreement, Wellesley Township will lease space at the community centre located at 5279 Ament Line to the WCHC. The health centre will be responsible for commissioning architectural and engineering plans, as well as covering capital costs associated with the new facility. The current nurse practitioner’s office at 3777 Manser Rd. is inadequate in size and accessibility for the growing community’s needs, prompting the need for this expansion.

The WCHC operates three existing locations in nearby St. Jacobs and Wellesley. After discussions with township staff, the decision was made to pursue a medical centre at the Linwood community centre, mirroring the operational model of the health clinic at the Township of Wellesley Recreation Complex.

Considerations during the planning process included parking, accessibility, sanitary sewage, and the preservation of recreational amenities on the site. Ultimately, placing the health clinic on the eastern side of the existing building was deemed the most feasible option. Modifications will involve relocating an existing exit door from the library and adding windows to compensate for any loss of natural light.

The proposed health clinic is expected to extend the building by approximately 35 feet. Additionally, the gravel parking area will undergo upgrades to accommodate visitors to the health centre. A draft lease agreement outlining the responsibilities and costs for both parties will be presented to the council for approval before construction begins.

Local officials have expressed optimism about the project, highlighting its potential to enhance health services in the township. “Health is a provincial responsibility, but there are local opportunities to promote a healthy lifestyle and improve mental well-being,” the staff report noted. It emphasized that establishing a health centre on township-owned recreation land would significantly benefit health promotion initiatives within the community.

As this proposal moves forward, residents of Linwood can look forward to expanded medical services, including the introduction of a part-time physician at the new clinic.