Hay River (July 31/06) - The Hay River Reserve will get a new building this summer for visiting doctors, nurses and social workers.

"What they will have is a new properly-designed place to work out of," said Health and Social Services Minister Michael Miltenberger.

The new building will consist of an examination room and offices, Miltenberger added.

"We're not building a hospital," he said.

The new building will cost about $500,000 to construct. Currently, health professionals make do with what space is available on the reserve, including at the K'atlodeeche First Nation office building.

Miltenberger noted that all health and social services come from Hay River, but the new building will recognize the fact that Hay River Reserve is a community in its own right.

"It's a building like any small community would have," he said. Chief Alec Sunrise said he is glad the new building will be constructed.