APH explores leasing spare space at Sault Ste. Marie office

Algoma Public Health is putting its spare space under the microscope.

The Sault Ste. Marie-based health unit has hired MGP, a local architectural firm, to study its 70,000-square-foot Willow Avenue headquarters. A recent report to the Board of Health, APH's governing body, said that over the past 14 years the Willow site has operated, the unit has seen shifts in government funding and the divestment of several programs. As a result, some services have moved to other agencies or have been cancelled altogether.

“This has left us with surplus space for which we are responsible for the costs,” the report read. “Our goals are to determine our needs and how we can best fit into a smaller footprint.”

APH, whose 150 employees deliver provincially legislated public health services and community programs, is one of 34 non-profit public health agencies funded by local and provincial governments. It has three other offices in Algoma District: Blind River, Elliot Lake and Wawa.

Once the MGP review is complete, APH said it will explore leasing possibilities.

Also, an energy audit will be carried out at the Willow Avenue site, conducted by Blackstone Energy Services. The report to the board said APH's goal is to find new ways to conserve energy through more efficient lighting and heating.

In 2011, the $22.5-million stateof-the-art facility was the first office building in Algoma to attain LEED certification.

“As our Willow Street office enters its 14th year of operation, it's time to explore new technology to be as environmentally friendly as possible,” the report said. “APH is committed to being a leader in this area and to being a good green organization.”

Once both studies are wrapped, additional information will be shared with the board and staff, the report said.