- Hub staff

The following application was approved at tonight's Owen Sound City Council meeting.

Heritage Community Living at Lakeview Inc., submitted a Site Plan Approval application to facilitate the conversion of the existing building located at 615  6th Street ‘A’ East to serve as a Wellness and Treatment Facility, leased and operated by Grey Bruce Health Services.

The building was previously utilized as the former Bayview Elementary school, vacant since 2017. The facility will include a combination of uses including a crisis residence, clinics, and community centre. The proposal includes interior alterations to the existing building, the reconfiguration of the existing site access and parking areas to accommodate the new use, outdoor patio areas, and privacy fencing. There are no new buildings, structures, or additions proposed as part of the application.

The facility will combine some of the current addiction services in one location, and add more options for those also needing crisis housing, employment and life skills.

-  Clinic and counselling services provided by psychiatrists and nurse practitioners in both individual and group settings.

- A crisis residence consisting of 40 beds.

- Training and skills development including computer and  occupational training, fitness, and culinary education within four (4)  classrooms. Training and skills development sessions are to be provided for patients of the facility as well members of the community.

The report makes a particular note that the facility is not designed or intended for the treatment of emergencies and acute cases. These types of cases would continue to be treated within the Mental Health Unit at the Owen Sound Hospital.