B.C. provincial government denies funding for health centre in Summerland

Disappointment in Summerland as Province Rejects Funding for Health Centre

Construction on a new affordable housing complex in Summerland, British Columbia, is set to begin this summer, but the community’s hopes of turning the ground floor of the building into a primary health centre have been dashed. The province has denied the district’s request for funding, leaving residents and local leaders deeply disappointed. The proposed health centre, which would have been located in the newly-built Dickson Place, was seen as a vital resource for the community, particularly for its elderly population.

Summerland’s deputy mayor, Erin Trainer, expressed frustration over the decision. “We’re super disappointed,” she said. “This is a shovel-ready project. The doctors are on board, the community foundation is on board, and we have a place to put it. Everything was in place except for the provincial funding.” The district had been seeking $3 million from the province to help cover the $9 million cost of the project. The remaining $6 million was expected to come from the community foundation and local fundraising efforts.

A Setback for Community Healthcare

The province’s refusal to provide funding has dealt a significant blow to Summerland’s efforts to improve access to healthcare. The community has been advocating for a primary health centre for several years, arguing that the nearest facility, located 18 kilometres away in Penticton, is too far for many residents, especially the elderly. “That’s a really big distance for them to travel,” Trainer said. “We are not just a bedroom community; we are our own community, and our residents deserve to have their own healthcare here.”

In a letter to the council, British Columbia’s health minister, Josie Osborne, explained that the province is already investing millions in healthcare in the South Okanagan region, including the Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre. While Osborne acknowledged the need for healthcare in Summerland and left the door open for future discussions, she stopped short of making any commitments. This response has left many in the community feeling overlooked and undervalued.

The Loss of a Unique Opportunity

The proposed health centre would have brought together medical professionals under one roof, making it easier for residents to access essential services. It would also have helped attract more doctors to the area, addressing a long-standing challenge in rural communities. Charmaine Kramer, CEO of the Parkdale Place Housing Society, which is building Dickson Place, called the funding rejection a missed opportunity. “We’ve lost out on an amazing opportunity,” she said. “A health centre and senior housing all in one building would have been a good marriage.”

Kramer also expressed concern about the timeline for the project. With construction set to begin this summer, the society cannot afford to wait for further provincial commitments. The ground floor space originally intended for the health centre will likely be used for other purposes if the funding situation doesn’t change. “We can’t afford to wait,” Kramer said. “We’ve already submitted our building permit without including the health centre because this process has dragged on for nearly two years.”

The Impact on Seniors and Vulnerable Populations

The lack of a local health centre disproportionately affects Summerland’s senior population. Many of the residents at Angus Place, a supportive housing facility run by the Parkdale Place Housing Society, already face significant barriers to accessing medical care. “Over half of them have to travel outside of town to get any kind of medical attention,” Kramer said. This injustice highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for a solution that prioritizes the health and well-being of all residents.

Looking Ahead: A Community’s Resolve

Despite the setback, Summerland’s leaders remain determined to find a way to bring a health centre to the community. Trainer emphasized the importance of continuing to engage with the province and exploring alternative funding options. “Our residents deserve to have their own healthcare here,” she said. The primary care centre would not only improve access to essential services but also strengthen the community’s ability to attract and retain medical professionals.

As construction on Dickson Place moves forward, the community is holding onto hope that one day, the ground floor will still become the home of a much-needed health centre. Until then, residents will continue to advocate for a solution that puts their health and well-being first.

Conclusion: A Call for Provincial Support

The rejection of funding for Summerland’s proposed health centre is a stark reminder of the challenges rural communities face in accessing adequate healthcare. While the province has investments elsewhere in the region, the unique needs of Summerland’s residents cannot be overlooked. The community’s resolve to push forward underscores the importance of prioritizing local healthcare solutions. As Trainer said, “We are our own community, and our residents deserve to have their own healthcare here.” The hope is that the province will recognize this need and revisit its decision in the future.