Construction Begins For Indigenous Facility Providing Healthcare To Kenora Community

Construction is moving forward on a new Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Aboriginal Health Access Centre (WNHAC) in downtown Kenora, following a $28 million investment from the Ontario government. The new facility will consolidate all existing WNHAC programs and services in one location to connect more Indigenous people to community-led primary care services in a culturally safe, accessible environment.

“Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig is thrilled to see this project come to fruition after many years of planning and perseverance,” said Paul Derouard, Interim CEO of WNHAC. “The new centre will positively impact our ability to provide culturally grounded, accessible healthcare to the communities we serve. It’s a reflection of our commitment to fostering wellness, honouring traditions, and supporting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health of our clients. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this vision a reality.”

Once complete, the WNHAC will offer holistic healing as well as a variety of health and wellness programs, with a focus on enhancing access to high quality healthcare. Additionally, the new facility’s centralized location will help reduce visits to the local Lake of the Woods District Hospital, which provides critical care to Kenora residents.

“Our investment to help build the new and improved Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig centre will connect more Indigenous people and families in the Kenora area to holistic, culturally sensitive primary healthcare that better supports their physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

The WHNAC engaged Colliers Project Leaders as its trusted project management team to oversee the project. As construction begins, our team will continue to provide comprehensive management and oversight, coordinating with consultants and the client to maintain progress, manage risks and ensure the project is delivered successfully. Together, we are excited to help bring this transformative health care facility to life.

Read more about the historic project at NWONewsWatch.