Sometime this winter the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit staff will be operating out of one building.

Right now, they’re operating out of the main building on Commercial Street and at two other facilities in the city, but it won’t be too long before they’ll be at their new digs downtown on Oak Street.

Executive Director of Corporate Services Paul Massicotte says the $20 million construction project is 96 % finished and is on budget.

He says the new building will address inadequate and inefficient work space.

They’ll be able to serve the public more efficiently in one structure, as it’ll provide accommodation for staff and the programs they deliver.

The Health Unit will also be expanding programs to include food preparation and education classes, there will be more meeting spaces and a teaching kitchen too.

The new building is also close to bus routes and bike and walking paths and will be more accessible.