|
Prepared by Councillor Richardson
The future of Health Care
in Revelstoke has been a heavy burden on the minds of many members of our
community. The people of Revelstoke have been involved in letter writing
campaigns, petitions, demonstrations and rallies to protest the injustice
that has been done to our seniors. Ever since the announcement to close
Moberly Manor eighteen months ago, our seniors and their families have
existed in turmoil trying to understand why anyone would want to close a
facility that was a happy home to so many.
The community has
repeatedly asked for some public consultative process to dialogue with the
Interior Health Authority to express our concerns. Frustration about the
proposed closure of Moberly and the cuts to health care has incensed
members of this community. The lack of information has led to a total
distrust of the entire system.
In efforts to improve this
situation and to convey our concerns, the Mayor has appointed an Advisory
Committee on Health Care that has been tasked with the duty of making
recommendations that Council would pass on to the IHA.
In the latter part of
September, Global TV was in Revelstoke to interview various community
members and residents of Moberly Manor in efforts to have Victoria hear
from the Heartland. While in Vancouver at the UBCM, Council used every
opportunity to lobby members of government on our concerns with the IHA.
Our efforts finally paid off and a meeting was scheduled.
On October 14th prior to
the regular City Council Meeting, Council and members of the Health
Advisory had an opportunity to meet informally with members of IHA to hear
what their plans for Revelstoke are and to get answers to some of our
questions.
During the regular Council
Meeting, RCTV was able to capture the entire PowerPoint presentation which
was then shown on Channel 6 a number of times over this past week in hopes
of informing the public. Hopefully most community members have taken the
opportunity to view the segment and will contact members of the Advisory
Committee to express their concerns and pose their questions.
The IHA have admitted to
handling communication poorly and have committed to working with us on
future plans. City Council and the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Health
Care are also committed to advocating for health service that will benefit
this community.
The IHA must understand
that the community demands a level of health care that will continue to
make Revelstoke a great place to live.
On another note, everyone
is invited to attend an Open House to discuss the proposed nighttime
closure of the Mackenzie Avenue Crossing. The Open House will be held from
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday, October 23rd at the Community Centre.
Council has been working with CPR and the Transport Canada to find a
solution to the nighttime whistling as it has had a negative impact on
tourists trying to get a good night’s sleep while enjoying what Revelstoke
has to offer.
There is another
opportunity for public input on the Mt Mackenzie Ski Hill Development. An
Open House will be held at the Fire Hall on Saturday, October 25th from
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM to view the latest development. Many residents
expressed their enthusiasm about the possibility of Revelstoke becoming a
ski destination.
As a City Council, we are
committed to public consultation and are making every effort to keep this
community informed and involved. Please don’t hesitate to call us and make
your views known.
|
