Redevelopment of health facility begins in Wunnumin Lake First Nation

From: Indigenous Services Canada

May 15, 2019 — Wunnumin Lake First Nation, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nation communities to improve their health outcomes and well-being, and address health infrastructure needs.

Today, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulates Wunnumin Lake First Nation on starting work to renovate and expand Wanapetum Memorial Health Centre.

The redevelopment of the health facility will improve access to quality primary health care in the community and will support a range of services and programs related to public health, mental wellbeing, and dental care including children’s oral health.

A feasibility study that was completed in 2018 was used to identify and ensure that the redevelopment would meet the needs of the community. It was determined that major renovations to the existing space and an expansion of the facility were required. In total, the expansion will add more than 1,100 square metres, for a total of 1,713 square metres of functional space, to the existing health facility.

The redeveloped facility will also support an additional full-time nurse to enhance primary care services and better serve the 574 residents living in the community.

Indigenous Services Canada is providing an investment of $16.95 million for the project through the First Nation and Inuit Health Branch Social Infrastructure Funding. The investment is part of the Government of Canada’s $180+ billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.

Quotes

“I’m pleased to announce that Wunnumin Lake First Nation has begun the important work to redevelop their existing health facility, the Wanapetum Memorial Health Centre. The Government of Canada is committed to keeping families healthy in their communities. We are doing that by investing in local health infrastructure and improving access to health services. The redeveloped health facility will help address the need for improved quality health services in Wunnumin Lake First Nation.”

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

“Wunnumin Lake Council and I are very happy that the redevelopment of the health centre is underway. We’re looking forward to the completion of this project to enhance health care services here in the community.”

Chief Samuel Mamakwa
Wunnumin Lake First Nation

“Continuing to improve healthcare delivery in First Nations in the Kenora riding is a top priority for our government. The renovation and expansion of Wunnumin Lake’s Wanapetum Memorial Health Centre is a major step in the right direction. This centre will improve the community’s access to crucial services, such as mental wellbeing and dental health.”

The Honourable Bob Nault, P.C., M.P.
Kenora Riding

Quick facts

• Wunnumin Lake First Nation is an Ojibway/Cree community located approximately 360 km northwest of Sioux Lookout and is accessible by air year round or seasonal winter road, with a population of approximately 574 on-reserve.
• The redevelopment of the health facility is expected to be completed in the year 2021.
• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

Associated links

• Wunnumin Lake First Nation
• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Jeff Valois
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Indigenous Services
613-698-2884

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

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