DAWSON CREEK -- The City of Dawson Creek has announced new details on the purchase of the Eljen clinic.
“When it was brought to our attention that the clinic would be for sale and that the purchase of it would help secure a spot for healthcare professionals to continue working there, Council and I knew this would be a good use of the Growing Communities Fund”, said Mayor Darcy Dober.
Money for the purchase of the clinic will come from a provincial grant with the city receiving just over $4,000,000 with interest accrued from the province's ‘Growing Communities Fund.’
According to the province, the fund is intended to support infrastructure projects necessary that allow community growth.
“While the purchase of the clinic may not immediately solve the physician shortage that Dawson Creek is facing, it is a step in the right direction,” read a City Hall media release.
The city announced its intent to buy the clinic in late May following ongoing discuss and community concern was raised that Eljen was slated for closure after being put up for sale.
“Although the City of Dawson Creek is not directly involved in healthcare, there is a part that the City can play in the promotion of Dawson Creek and assisting in the recruitment and welcoming of professionals to our community”
While the city will take ownership of the clinic, it will not be staffed by city employees.
According to the city, terms of a lease agreement with healthcare professionals is currently being worked toward who will offset the operational costs of running the clinic.
