Primary Health Care Centre Faces Objection

The Primary Health Care Centre to be built in Steinbach is facing a potential delay. City council held a public hearing Tuesday night for the rezoning of the land for the centre. Neighbour Roderick MacLeod of Stonebridge Crossing raised an official objection to the plan, saying the placement of facility there will lead to major traffic problems.

"I project and perhaps even under project that there probably are going to be 500-600 vehicles both entering and exiting in the course of any given weekday."

MacLeod agrees Steinbach needs more doctors and health care facilities but suggests the location is wrong. Despite the obejection, city council gave unanimous approval to Second Reading of the rezoning. Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra made the motion.

"When you consider the overall needs of the city, we will benefit tremendously from a Primary Health Care Centre. This will enhance health care within the city, it will help attract new doctors and provide more services. This is something that will be a benefit to the neighbourhood and also  to the entire city. It makes sense for that area and for the city."

Councillor John Fehr seconded the motion.

"When we were campaigning for city council three-and-a-half years ago, we heard this pretty much at every door, that we need to do something for health care. And, when you get an opportunity like this, I would have been remiss if I had passed up on it."

Councillors noted the construction of the centre will lead to the extension of Stonebridge Crossing to connect with Walnut Street which will connect to Loewen Boulevard. They feel this will actually improve traffic flow on Stonebridge because it will give another exit point.

Because of MacLeod's objection, the matter will now have to await a Municipal Board hearing later this year which could delay the start of construction.