IHA buys more property

By DARREN HANDSCHUH The Vernon Daily Courier http://www.dailycourier.ca/

Interior Health has confirmed it has purchased an old motel and has plans to purchase an apartment block near the hospital. IH has agreed to purchase Hillsview Manor, at 2000 31st A St., in three years time said Peter Du Toit, community administrator for Vernon. “That is a negotiation that is ongoing,” said Du Toit, adding the apartment block was offered to IH, but there are no plans for the land. “It was just an opportunity that was made available,” said Cam McAlpine, with the IH communications department. McAlpine said it is common practice for health authorities to purchase land next to hospitals even without specific plans for the land. The rundown motel is located next to a townhouse complex at 1905 32nd Street that IH has also purchased. Both complexes are slated for demolition in the spring.

Du Toit said the land is needed for the $81 million tower planned for Vernon Jubilee Hospital. The deal on the motel site will be complete Sept. 5, but McAlpine, said the building’s units have been vacated already. The townhouses and former motel will be torn down so the land can be used to store construction material, equipment, trailers and for road access during the project. The former motel had been in the news lately for a string of drug-related incidents assaults. “What it will ultimately be used for is expansion space,” said Du Toit, adding the tower is phase one of a long-term hospital construction plan. “We’re very excited about this tower. It’s the biggest expansion of this hospital in a long time.”