An invitation to discuss iterim plans for the QEH property

Media Advisory
For immediate release July 7, 2010

An invitation to discuss interim plans for the QEH property
Capital Health would like to invite our community to talk about how we can best use the land that’s currently the site of Queen Elizabeth High School between the demolition of the structure and the time the site is put to a permanent use.

The space at the intersection of Bell Road and Robie Street won’t become a parking lot. We think it could become an urban farm. But we’d like to have input from our neighbours and community partners.

A safety fence will go up around the property this week ahead of the start of demolition.

The property was acquired by the province from Halifax Regional Municipality in a land swap and has been promised to Capital Health for future hospital expansion. During the demolition, it remains under the administration of the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

That work is expected to be complete by the spring of 2011. Any new hospital construction is likely a few years in the future. In the interim period, our intention is to use the space in a way that is financially sustainable, environmentally sensitive and for the good of our community.

We’re excited by the thought of making it a space to grow healthy food and demonstrate gardening skills right in the urban core. We’ll be looking to connect with others to discuss whether that’s a desirable use, how it might be viable and what alternatives exist.

Please watch for opportunities to discuss this issue in the coming months or get in touch with us at participate@cdha.nshealth.ca and indicate your interest in the future use of the QEH property.
-30-
Media Enquiries:
Capital Health. Marketing & Communications. Pager: (902) 458-5376
Capital Health comprises: the Capital District Mental Health Program; Centre for Clinical Research; Cobequid Community Health Centre; Community Health; Dartmouth General Hospital; Addiction Prevention and Treatment Services; East Coast Forensic Hospital; Hants Community Hospital; Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital; Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital; The Nova Scotia Hospital; Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital; Public Health Services; Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital; Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre; and the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

The Capital Health District also encompasses seven volunteer Community Health Boards that advise Capital Health through the development of community health plans and encourage public participation in health planning. For more information, visit the Capital Health website: www.cdha.nshealth.ca.

facebook.com/CapitalHealth

twitter.com/Capital_Health