The transformation of the old RBC building at 26 Holland St. East into a modern health clinic may be one of the biggest success stories in downtown Bradford.
When the bank branch closed, it not only removed banking services from the downtown core, it left a key building on the main street vacant.
The Town of BWG purchased the site, hoping to partner with other levels of government to provide a centre for economic development; when that fell through, the town looked around for a compatible tenant.
It found the Bradford Health Care Centre, a partnership of president Walid Awadalla, Pharmacy Manager Emad Awadalla, and Pharmacist/Directors Gabriel Ibrahim and Poulette Ibrahim.
They took on the transformation of the space, creating a new pharmacy, doctors’ offices, and a walk-in medical clinic, bringing in doctors Magdy Ibrahim and Nasrin Nobari to provide services in the downtown core.
On Saturday, the Health Care Centre held its Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting.
“It’s really something that will add to our downtown,” said Mayor Rob Keffer, who was joined by Deputy Mayor James Leduc, members of council, and members of the Bradford Board of Trade as he congratulated the owners, and praised the transformation.
Mayor Keffer noted the clinic will be open seven days a week. “We don’t have to go to Newmarket on Sundays,” he said.
“I didn’t realize they had a course in medical school – Vision!” said Leduc, noting that it took vision to turn the former bank branch in to a modern health clinic.
“It was lots and lots of hard work,” acknowledged Emad Awadalla, Pharmacy Manager. “We are going to serve the Bradford Community.”
Dr. Nobari was also on hand. “I love the people here,” said the doctor, who moved to Bradford from Nova Scotia. “We are trying to provide excellent care for our patients… We will make you proud of us.”
She noted that in the three weeks since the centre first opened its doors, she has already signed up 150 patients, but is still accepting new patients.
“As we get busier, we will bring in new doctors, new services,” said Dr. Nobari, adding that the Centre is already in talks with Southlake Regional Health Centre to bring specialist services directly to Bradford.
Gabriel Ibrahim, who also owns Bradford Drug Mart at 54 Holland St. West, said the town had been very helpful in developing and opening the Bradford Health Care Centre, “in facilitating this and making things easier,” and revitalizing the downtown.
The Bradford Health Care Centre clinic is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and on Fridays; from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call 905-775-2025.
