CMHA Sudbury / Manitoulin thanks city, community partners for ongoing support for 200 Larch St. project

(Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019 – Sudbury) – The following is a statement from Marion Quigley, CEO, CMHA Sudbury / Manitoulin about 200 Larch St. as discussed at City of Greater Sudbury Council last night.

“It’s a difficult day for CMHA Sudbury / Manitoulin. We are a proud organization run by dedicated staff members who have been a driving force in the provision of mental health and addictions services to people and their families since 1984.

“First and foremost, thank you to Mayor Bigger and members of council for the ongoing support of the 200 Larch St. initiative. We’re encouraged that our municipal leaders share the vision for this project, which will revitalize a downtown building while at the same time benefit the most marginalized people in our community. We’re also grateful to: our contractor, Prosperi Co Ltd., which has not stopped working at the site; the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics and city staff for their steadfast commitment to the project; and architectural firm Perry + Perry and TD Bank for their continued support as we worked through this issue.

“Council’s decision means that development at the site will continue with an expected completion date before the winter. That’s a sliver of positive news for people who may be homeless, living with mental health, substance misuse or primary health care challenges. They’ll be able to access the Off the Street Emergency Shelter, the Harm Reduction Home, the Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinic and Indigenous Healing Space at 200 Larch St. in just a few months.

“Meantime, we are taking the criticism about our role in the development of 200 Larch St. head on. This is the largest capital project in our 35-year history and we are committed to learning from this experience and accepting feedback in a constructive manner. We are taking KPMG’s recommendations to heart and look forward to working with KPMG and city staff to ensure the project continues smoothly.

“Lastly, this recent development in no way impacts CMHA’s ability to provide much-needed services to our clients. Our wonderful staff members will continue to do what they do best: provide high-quality support and programming to individuals and their families who, in many instances, have no where else to turn.”

Marion Quigley
CEO, CMHA Sudbury / Manitoulin

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For more information, contact:

Kayla Belanger
Health Promotion Coordinator
Canadian Mental Health Association, Sudbury/Manitoulin
Association canadienne pour la santé mentale, Sudbury/Manitoulin
Tel: 705-675-7252 ext. 236
[email protected]