A 12,500 square foot health and wellness centre is now under construction in Sooke on T'sou-ke First Nation land adjacent to Highway 14.
 
The facility will provide healthcare services to members of the T'sou-ke nation, along with community space and a resource hub, the nation says in its description of the project.
 
Situated to the east of Edward Milne Community School, the T'Sou-ke Community Complex and Health Centre is the second phase of construction on the T'sou-ke nation's IR1 lands across the street from the T'sou-ke reserve off Highway 14 between Lazzar and Idlemore roads, accessible via Edward Milne Road.
 
The first phase was completed several years ago as a joint Tim Hortons drive-through and Petro Canada gas bar.
 
With construction getting underway this summer, completion is pegged for mid-to-late 2024.
 
Described a long-planned development, the T'sou-ke Nation describes the investment as follows:
 
"The need for the facility was assessed through the T'Sou-ke Nation's Comprehensive Community Plan. The current community and health buildings cannot support community growth or diverse program delivery, are energy inefficient, and do not reflect the community's cultural values. The facility is also long overdue as the current administration building is over 60-years-old, and the ancillary offices are outdated modular portables that are over 50-years-old. The facility will provide much needed space for cultural and language teachings, community meals and events, food preparation and preservation, outdoor gatherings and play for children, and medicinal gardening and harvesting activities."
 
Mike Kozakowski.

Article abridged - previously released information about Wadams Way health center removed.