WorkSafeNB has sold its Workers’ Rehabilitation Centre in Saint John to the province.

Officials with the Crown corporation made the announcement in a news release on Dec. 6.

The facility has been largely empty since the pandemic forced WorkSafeNB to halt its rehabilitation services at the centre.

Tim Petersen, president and CEO, said the centre will always remain an important part of their history.

“For more than 45 years, we helped thousands of workers get better and return to work after a workplace injury,” said Petersen.

“But health care has evolved, and expectations have changed, and we’ve found that the Care Closer to Home initiative is best for our clients.”

The new model allows workers to receive care in the comfort of their own homes rather than having to travel to the centre.

After initially being tested in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, the program was adopted permanently in June.

“With improved technology and increased accessibility to providers, WorkSafeNB can better serve workers within their communities,” said Petersen.

Officials did not say what would happen with the building or how much it was sold to the province for.

WorkSafeNB said a portion of the savings from operational costs will go toward enhancing efforts to prevent workplace incidents.