Castlegar/Trail rivalry renewed over regional hospital discussion
By Kyra Hoggan
A meeting between Castlegar representatives and BC Health Minister Mike de Jong is creating conflict between Castlegar and Trail city councillors.
Castlegar councillors Kevin Chernoff and Russ Hearne, along with city manager John Malcolm, met with de Jong March 1 to discuss a variety of issues – including the possibility of a new regional hospital.
“We weren’t asking for a huge commitment of millions of dollars, but we would like them to nudge IHA (Interior Health Authority) to begin the planning process,” said Hearne, adding he thinks Castlegar is the logical place to put such facility.
“We’re the most central and, right now, the most under-served,” he said, pointing out that Trail and Nelson both boast 24/7 hospital facilities and six full-time paramedics each, while Castlegar has but one full-time paramedic and a health centre with limited services that’s only open 12 hours a day.
Hearne added, though, that if the planning process found there is a community other than Castlegar where a hospital would best serve all residents of the region, he’ll accept that and support IHA’s decision.
Trail city councillors are not, it would seem, of like mind on the matter, however.
They voted unanimously Monday evening for a motion brought forward by councillor Kevin Jolly to support the regional status of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail, and to request that all capital funding for the region be dedicated to the refurbishment, upgrading and support of existing medical facilities.
Trail council also decided to send a letter to that effect to de Jong, IHA and MLA Katrine Conroy.
Castlegar councillor Kevin Chernoff said Trail council’s stance is an unreasonable one.
“This is a much larger area than just Castlegar and Trail,” he said. “We need this decision to be based on what’s good for the entire region, not just one community.
“I am willing to let the planning process decide the best location.
“If, through the planning process, Nelson, Trail or even Salmo is the location determined to best meet the needs of the region for a new hospital, I will accept that recommendation and change my focus to supporting that decision and move forward,” he added. “Would Councillor Jolly and Trail City Council be willing to do the same for the betterment of the region?”
Chernoff posed this question directly to Jolly via Twitter, and has posted similar commentary on Facebook.
“I should also make it clear that lobbying for a new facility does not mean I do not stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Trail residents to continue fighting for the Kootenay Boundary Hospital to have improved services and equipment,” he concluded. “It is still the place my family has to go any time after 8 .p.m. for medical services – but eventually we will need to build a new facility.
“So let’s not be afraid of the process – let’s give it an honest chance and let whatever committee that is empowered to make that decision do their job without threats or strong-arm tactics.”
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