A piece of land in Cranbrook, British Columbia, has become a focal point in the local community’s discussions. The proposed location for a 10-bed hospice house has prompted debate among residents, with the city council sticking to its original plan for public consultation during a recent special meeting.
The Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society has requested a portion of the Mount Baker RV Park & Campground for the hospice project. However, the council, on July 27, opted to gather public feedback on this site along with four other potential locations.
Mayor Wayne Price urged the council to reconsider and suggested granting preliminary approval for the campground donation. He believed this would provide a starting point for the hospice society to commence fundraising efforts while allowing for further public input and regulatory processes.
A public survey is scheduled for September, where residents will be able to express their preferences regarding the hospice’s location. The options include the Mount Baker RV Park, the Frost property near St. Mary’s School, the Highlands lot, a Slaterville parcel, and land near the Kinsmen Quad Ballpark. The survey results, expected in November, will help guide the final decision-making for the incoming council.
Mount Baker RV Park operator, Nicole Wall, expressed satisfaction with the extended decision-making timeline, emphasizing the historical significance of the RV park to the Cranbrook community and her desire to see it revitalized.
Chair of the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society, George Watson, highlighted the benefits of the Mount Baker site due to its proximity to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and accessibility for individuals across the region. He clarified that the society’s intention is not to displace the campground, which primarily serves short-term visitors, tourists, and local residents.
The ongoing debate reflects some misunderstandings about the purpose and operation of a hospice house, according to hospice volunteer Jeff Williams. He described a hospice house as a serene environment focused on providing comfort during individuals’ final days when curative treatment is no longer viable. The hospice society noted the absence of a dedicated hospice house in the East Kootenay region, highlighting the need for such a facility.
Support for the hospice project has also come from Dr. Greg Andreas of Cranbrook, who emphasized the community’s role in providing compassionate end-of-life care. Watson reiterated the necessity of a hospice house in the region, emphasizing the importance of determining its precise location.