Kincardine Council has given the green light for the tendering process to go ahead for the expansion of the medical clinic, and with a slightly increased budget.
There is still strong support for the project, but concerns are mounting about the cost.
After incorrect questions were raised about their support last week, Doctor Lisa Roth confirmed to council that Kincardine’s doctors and clinic staff are indeed in favour of the existing expansion plans.
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chief Administrative Officer recently met with medical clinic representatives to clear up the situation.
It looks like plans to include a backup generator in the building will not be happening right away because of the cost.
Doctor Lisa Roth says the generator would be helpful in order to keep vaccinations refrigerated during power failures.
The estimated cost of the project is roughly 2.3 million dollars.
The motion passed by council allows for adjustments to be made in the project design as costs become known so that further savings can be found.
CAO John de Rosenroll says construction estimates will be known over the next few weeks and will likely be lower than expected.
Councillor Guy Anderson hopes there is some “wiggle room” to bring costs down.
Councillor Mike Leggett is concerned that the costs could go even higher than the amount currently budgeted.
He says the existing clinic was built just a few years ago and now an addition is being added without any new doctors working in it.
He’s concerned about possibly spending up to three million dollars on the expansion.
Mayor Larry Kraemer says they’re doing their best to keep costs down.
When construction is underway, some doctors will use space in the basement of the existing clinic.
When the two buildings are being joined together, they will have to work in the new addition while renovations are made to the existing building.