The Government of British Columbia, along with its funding partners, is supporting the construction of a new health and community centre to better connect the people of the T’Sou-ke Nation with services they need.
While touring the site of the future facility, Premier John Horgan said construction of the new centre will benefit people of the T’Souke Nation, replacing their aging facility with a new building that can deliver a number of services. Over time, it will link the community to health-care providers for their ongoing health needs and serve as a community gathering place.
“As our economy begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important that we build the crucial infrastructure communities need to be stronger and more secure than they were before,” said Premier Horgan. “I’m proud to help celebrate this investment in building the T’Sou-ke Nation a much-needed community and health centre that will reflect their culture and help preserve their language.”
The T’Sou-ke Nation Health and Community Centre is one of 22 projects on Vancouver Island receiving joint federal and provincial funding under the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the federal Investing in Canada Plan. Under the first round of this program, eight projects are being supported in Indigenous communities.
“Our government is creating opportunities for people from Indigenous communities in British Columbia to improve their quality of life,” said Selina Robison, B.C.’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That includes having public spaces that support health and well-being in communities throughout the province. The project being announced today will strengthen the T’Sou-ke Nation by bringing their people together, celebrating their culture and enriching their lives for generations to come.”
Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, said: “The Government of Canada is proud to support the T'Sou-ke Nation Community Complex and Health Centre. This centre will play a key role in empowering all members of the community to improve their well-being, learn, build relationships and share their cultural experiences. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds stronger communities.”
Construction includes a community complex, a health-care centre and offices for administrative services. There will also be community hall for gatherings, a full kitchen, an outdoor patio, washrooms and an elevator.
“T’Sou-ke is following the footsteps of our ancestors always striving for a safe and healthy community while enhancing our territory. This is consistent with our Coast Salish teaching,” said Gordon Planes, Chief of T’Sou-ke Nation. “The work we do today is for our children and our children not born yet, and we know we need to all do this together as Naut’sa Mawt (together as one).”
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2022 and be complete in spring 2024.
Learn More:
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia:
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/bc-eng.html
BC’s Restart Plan:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/bc-restart-plan
Government of British Columbia’s Infrastructure program:
www.gov.bc.ca/Investing-in-Canada-Infrastructure-Program