Nuxalk First Nation Marks the Opening of a New Health and Administration Building

News Release
2011-121
September 8, 2011
For immediate release

BELLA COOLA, BRITISH COLUMBIA - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced Government of Canada funding of $1.8 million for the design, construction and eco-energy costs of the new Nuxalk Community Building. The funding for this health and administration building, which officially opened today, consisted of $1.7 million from Health Canada and $100,000 from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.

"Our Government is proud to have helped fund the building of this facility, which will provide vital services to band members in their own community," said Minister Aglukkaq.

The new facility, which is located in northern British Columbia a few kilometres from Bella Coola, replaces a previous building lost in a fire. The 1,444 square metre building has two wings, one for the band administration offices and the other dedicated to health services. 

Band members will now have access to a health clinic with a community room, two dental treatment rooms, a bathing room and office space for home and community services. 

The project qualified for eco-energy funding for environmentally-friendly measures such as a geothermal heat recovery field.  Also, an existing gravel access road, parking, septic field and tank were re-used for the new construction. 

The facility will be operated by the Nuxalk Nation, a community of about 1,000 residents.

-30-

---

Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709