It was brought up at tables of attendees, as well by talking heads on B2B panels. Elsewhere throughout the community here and further south at UBCM.
The Dawson Creek Hospital is a key cog in the sustainability and development of the region.
“It is such a significant piece of regional infrastructure and it has to been renovated. We are talking a $200 million project but it is so key to the South Peace,” says mayor Dale Bumstead.
It was happier times earlier this year when Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier announced support behind moving forward with Phase I of the project.
The budget for the announced work was $95 million, with the Peace River Regional Hospital District expected to contribute 40 per cent. The Peace River Regional Hospital District voted to put forward $5 million toward the hospital business plan this fall, part of its commitment to the cost of the project. The first phase involved new concept plans and re-developed business plan. Construction of new inpatient wing, and emergency area for the hospital was to follow over the next few years.
Earlier in the year, Bumstead urged then health minister Terry Lake to not let the project end up in the DOA file, after the Mirror noted Lake cold water on upgrade plans.
“Step up, province.”
It seems a decent diagnosis has come out of meetings at UBCM, with Bumstead noting the City and PRRD were back to back with provincial officials on the matter last week.
Until next time -
Rob Brown - Managing Editor
