Harrison Hot Springs will soon be home to a primary care facility.
A Monday (March 3) report from the village's director of operations Jace Hodgson said the village has awarded a $156,000 contract to Kurts Construction for renovations at 160 Lillooet Ave., the future home of a much-needed primary care facility for the village.
The Kurts proposal was selected out of 18 sent in to the village between Jan. 20 and Feb. 5. The Fraser Valley Regional District approved the design, allowing for construction to begin early next month. Although there is no estimated opening date for the facility as of press time, renovations are expected to be complete by May 2025.
Back in 2019, Fraser Health agreed to provide a nurse practitioner to delivery weekly health services if the village was willing to cover the cost of utilities. During an alternative approval process 鈥� which allows electors to vote in approval or disapproval of a local government proposal 鈥� voted against a 1.8- per cent increase in property taxes that would have partially funded the service. For a property owner with $500,000 worth of property, this would have amounted to about $20.33 per year or the equivalent of about $1.70 per month.
In August 2024, the village and Fraser Health resumed negotiations for health services, which led them to the possibility of opening an office at 160 Lillooet Ave. Two months later, Harrison officials released closed meeting items resolving to seek a written agreement with Fraser Health for primary care services.
The facility will consist of four office areas, a washroom and a waiting room. Kurts Construction will be responsible for several upgrades, including to plumbing, heating, electrical, paint and a new ceiling. The facility will host a nurse practitioner one day per week, and the village continues to explore additional options for social, well-being and protective services.
160 Lillooet Ave. has four street-level commercial units, one of which is currently vacant.
