Hospital district to talk Cranbrook long-term care beds and EKRH 3rd floor

East Kootenay’s hospital district officials have some pricey decisions to make at this Friday’s (July 11) special meeting. 

At June 13’s special meeting, the Kootenay East Regional Health District (KERHD) moved to discuss a contentious $30 million request to add more long-term care beds in Cranbrook, in Green Home. 

Among those opposed was Sparwood Mayor and KERHD Chair David Wilks, who argued that the money could be better spent by adding a third floor at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital’s (EKRH) new oncology and renal building. 

“Minister Ma confirmed that the Green Home project proceeding as planned is dependent on the KERHD contributing the full 40% funding share,” read the Hospital District’s updated agenda. 

“[W]hile she also stated that there are not additional funds available to support a third floor on the recently approved Oncology/Renal Project, Minister Ma did commit to supporting the third floor project […] if the KERHD were to commit to funding 100% of the costs related to the additional floor.” 

Elk Valley Resources has since donated $15 million, earmarked solely for that third floor. This frees up the Hospital District’s financial responsibilities somewhat, but if the oncology building project requires additional funding in the next few years, the KEHRD would need to consider other cash sources.

“Given that spending for the [EKRH] project is also expected to occur between 2025 and 2029 and that Reserves are expected to be depleted if the Hospital District approves the additional funding of $30.2 million for the Cranbrook Long-Term Care Beds project, a further $15 million in short-term borrowing would be required.” 

The impact on residents would cost up to $12 per average residential property from 2027 to 2029. 

If funding for the Green Home project is not approved by tomorrow’s meeting, the project will be delayed. Both projects are set to be completed by 2029. More details are available here.