A plot of land in Cranbrook, British Columbia, has become a focal point of discussion within the community. Residents are set to participate in a survey this autumn to determine the preferred location for a proposed 10-bed hospice facility, following a recent decision by the city council to retain its original public consultation plan during a special meeting on Monday.
The Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society has requested that the city allocate a portion of the Mount Baker RV Park & Campground for the hospice project. However, council members, on July 27, opted to gather public feedback on this site as well as four other potential locations.
Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price urged the council to reconsider this choice and suggested granting preliminary approval for the campground donation. Price believed this would provide the hospice society with a designated site to commence fundraising activities, while allowing for further public consultation and regulatory approvals later on. Despite Price’s proposal, it did not receive support for discussion or debate.
A public survey is scheduled for September, where residents will be asked to express their preference on locating the hospice at the Mount Baker RV Park or at one of the other four possible sites under consideration. The survey results are anticipated to be presented to the incoming council in November to assist in making a final decision.
Nicole Wall, the operator of Mount Baker RV Park, expressed satisfaction with the extended decision-making process, emphasizing the historical significance of the RV park to Cranbrook and her desire to see it revitalized.
Chair George Watson of the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society highlighted the advantages of the Mount Baker site due to its proximity to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and accessibility for individuals from the wider region. Watson emphasized that the society’s intention was not to displace the campground, which primarily operates seasonally from April to October.
The debate surrounding the Mount Baker site also involves Gavin Thomas, the co-operator of the RV park, who advocates for coexistence rather than a choice between the hospice project and the campground. Thomas believes that both initiatives can thrive in the community without one displacing the other.
Jeff Williams, a hospice volunteer, addressed potential misunderstandings about hospice houses, describing them as tranquil, purpose-built environments focused on providing comfort during end-of-life care. The Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society emphasized the lack of a dedicated hospice house in the East Kootenay region, with existing palliative care rooms not always available. Dr. Greg Andreas of Cranbrook also voiced support for the hospice project during a council meeting, emphasizing the collective effort needed to provide compassionate end-of-life care.
Watson reiterated the urgent need for a hospice facility in the region, emphasizing that the primary question remains the location of its construction.