Renovations at new CMHA building expected to be complete in May
Plans will include Colchester Credit Union kiosk
Renovations have begun on the new home of the Colchester-east Hants branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association and are expected to be complete by the end of May.
“It’s exciting,” said Susan Henderson, executive director of the branch. “I hope to go inside the building in January and see the progress.”
The CMHA bought the former Bargain Shop building, at 859 Prince Street, in the spring of 2017.
A fundraising campaign, called Branching Out, has raised about $895,000 to date. The goal is to raise $1.5 million for the initial phase of renovations. The building has 14,000 sq. ft. of floor space, of which 10,400 sq. ft. would be renovated in the initial phase.
Colchester Credit Union will also have a presence in the building, with a kiosk of about 1,500 sq. ft.
“It’s a great fit and having them renting space for us will help with sustainability,” said Henderson. “They’ve been very supportive of our campaign.”
CMHA programs and services continue to be offered at the temporary location, at 574 Prince St.
“We’re seeing more people concentrating on mental wellness coming through our doors now,” said Henderson, “taking a preventative approach, which is great.”
The CMHA will be holding its 10th Women & Wellness event at Cobequid Educational Centre, Jan. 24. More details, and invitations, will be available soon.
The organization will also be hosting a men’s mental health event in the new year.