Construction of a new 58,000-square-foot centre for the study, treatment and assessment of autism, could begin on Sea Island in the next three months.
Sergio Cocchia, co-founder of the Pacific Autism Family Centre Foundation, said the $28-million facility was originally slated to be built in Vancouver, but a change-of-heart involving one of the projects partners led the foundation to try to secure a property in Richmond.
Cocchia met with members of Richmond council at a general purposes committee meeting on Monday, at which he presented his plans and said he received a great response.
They were incredibly supportive, Cocchia said.
As long as there arent any hiccups in the coming weeksthe deal on the property should finalize in the next six weeksCocchia hopes to break ground on the project in as little as three months.
The project is buoyed by last years $20 million grant from Victoria. The vision for the centre is that it becomes the hub for autism services in B.C.
The plan is for three additional spokes to be opened sometime this year, and that a total of eight will eventually be created across B.C.
We are extremely proud of this unique, not-for-profit charity, which will serve those across their lifespan, he said at the committee meeting. Included in our mission is to support related diagnoses such as developmental disabilities. Providing support for those in need is the mandate.
Cocchia and his wife, Wendy, have a son who is on the autism spectrum.
But they have the resources to assist their son, while others arent as fortunate.
Here is the original post:
$28m autism centre planned