Long standing plans for a community withdrawal management facility in Sarnia-Lambton are headed to Ontario's Health Ministry for approval now.
The Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network unanimously endorsed a services hub proposal at its board meeting in Grand Bend Tuesday night.
$10-million is needed for a 24-bed detox centre and nearly $2-milllion has been pledged for yearly operation.
Lambton County Warden Bev MacDougall is pleased to see the project moving forward.
She says discussions about location and zoning for a 22,000 sq ft facility are still to come.
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Bev-2.mp3"][/audio]
Bluewater Health indicated in May that two developers had submitted expressions of interest with several suggestions for design/build opportunities.
The hospital and the LHIN will work together on a final submission to the province and hope the ministry is able to fast-track approval.
Mayor Mike Bradley expressed hope recently that a centre will be operational next year.