The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent has taken another step towards a new building.
The centre's leadership has announced Colliers Project Leaders as the new project manager.
Executive Director Donna Litwin-Mackey said the project management will be responsible for doing its due diligence, including studying the environmental impact and conducting a geotechnical investigation to determine the condition of the soil and how much weight it will bear. She said drainage and traffic studies are also underway along with an archeological assessment.
Litwin-Mackey also said once all of that is done, then requests for building design proposals will go out to architects and a costing consultant will be hired.
She said a date for when the construction could start has not been set yet. Litwin-Mackey said the province has to evaluate the design stage first before construction can start.
The province reaffirmed its commitment to the new facility two weeks ago.
"Our goal is to advance our progress in building a new children’s treatment centre for the children and families of Chatham-Kent. Throughout this journey, we have been humbled by the exceptional support from the community, donors, our Foundation, the Board of Directors, the Ministry and Provincial government and all our partners," said Litwin-Mackey. "To ensure this project continues to move forward, it is important that we have a strong team of individuals working with us. Adding a project manager to our team enables us to have a strong project plan in place and fulfill our commitment to the community."
Litwin-Mackey said Colliers has experience and knowledge and has successfully managed other Children Treatment Centre capital projects from start to finish. She noted the team knows the ins and outs of the ministry application process, government relations, financial modeling and analysis, and operational readiness.
Angela Strazzeri, Project Manager Lead said this is an exciting project for Chatham-Kent, and understands the great expectations from the community, children and youth, their families, staff and the public for a successful delivery of the project.
"Colliers is delighted to be the partner who helps make this happen," said Strazzeri.
Litwin-Mackey said this new building will ensure services and programs are available in Chatham-Kent for children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs.
She added the community of Chatham-Kent will be updated when a construction date is set.
