New Building to be Constructed to House Medical Residents and Students
(Yarmouth, NS: January 7, 2021) The Board of Directors of Coastal Financial Credit Union with the support of the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce are moving forward with the housing project they have been planning at 30 Vancouver Street, Yarmouth Nova Scotia. After much effort to make the current structure work to address the housing needs of medical learners, the organizations determined that the current building will be replaced by a new facility.
“The new building will fit very nicely in the neighborhood while complementing the lot and maintaining the current landscaping as much as possible,” says Kerry Muise, Vice-President of the Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce. She went on to say, “the existing structure is old, and while stately from the outside, the cost of renovating far outweighs the costs of new construction.” They say that another consideration was the ongoing maintenance and operating costs of the building in the long term.
“I am very pleased with this decision; after months of work, doing our due diligence, we have determined that this is the best decision for the purpose and for our community,” says Rick Doucette, CEO of Coastal Financial Credit Union. The Credit Union, as owner of the property, will largely fund this project. The Chamber will operate the facility helping attract medical residents and students to the area. Doucette says, “I am super excited to now see this project move quickly ahead.”
The Chamber and Credit Union say that addressing housing issues for medical learners is key to assisting recruitment efforts. While several businesses, such as Garian Construction, Co-operators Insurance, and Bramac Plumbing have already donated considerable time and efforts to this project, Muise says, “help from the community will still be needed.”
Demolition is scheduled to take place this month and the drawings for the new building will go to tender soon. The Credit Union has hired Lloyd MacDougall, Certified Project Manager, to oversee this project. Lloyd can be contacted via the Chamber office if companies or individuals wish to contribute to this worthwhile project.
“Having housing for incoming Resident Doctors and Medical Students is a huge advantage in the recruitment world,” says Rebecca Rose, Community Navigator. Rose says, “this will be a key recruitment tool in the near future.” She said that currently approximately 25% of her time is dedicated to finding housing and a large part of the Community Navigator budget as well. Doucette says, “in addition, this will also free up other rental spaces for local residents and ultimately this is a win-win for everyone and I can’t wait to cut the ribbon at 30 Vancouver Street next fall!”
