Multi-use medical clinic could fill unused space at old Aquannis Pool

Island Savings Centre brass are still trying to figure out exactly what will ultimately be done with the space left behind by the old Cowichan Aquannis Pool, but the preferred option remains a health centre.

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A prognosis is pending about a multi-prong medical clinic in part of Duncan's old pool space.

"VIHA continues to work with the Cowichan Valley Division of Family Practice to define a model for a health-care centre," Val Wilson of the Vancouver Island Health Authority says in an email to the News LEader Pictorial. "This is in the proposal stage and approval is dependent on funding."

There was no timeline regarding when VIHA brass could rent space for those wishing to help local residents without a doctor,  with chronic pain or chronic diseases, and other programs aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle.

"As with any project, we would seek space in accordance with our fair-business practices," Wilson says.

That sounded routine to Ernie Mansueti, North Cowichan's parks and recreation chief.

"We're waiting for VIHA to sent out a request for (rental) proposal to the general public, looking (for) space in the Cowichan Valley."

Council asked staff to submit a proposal to VIHA about renting or leasing old Aquannis space once VIHA's request goes out.

Mansueti and council hoped VIHA leases about 3,500 square feet of underused space holding Cowichan Aquannis Centre's former offices, lobby, weight room, and change rooms.

"They made the inquiry and we said we'd be very interested," Mansueti said of the facility, which closed as a pool when the new Cowichan Aquatic Centre opened in 2008.

Pool reserve funds paid for the closure and the renovation of the old pool into a floor now used by Duncan Gymnastics.

North Cowichan council gave its support in December to VIHA's concept of multi-disciplinary health-care centre in the Duncan area. The project called A Community Partnership would to bridge current gaps in care.

Those holes span some 4,000 locals with no family doctor — or some 36,000 folks who have a doc, but use Cowichan hospital's emergency department, or walk-in clinics.

VIHA's integrated, community-based programs would also target clients with chronic diseases, neurological conditions, chronic pain and other complex conditions, plus those seeking a healthier lifestyle, council minutes state.

"There is ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, transit, and ancillary services such as the pool, gym, library and various community programs," council minutes say.