A plot of land in Cranbrook, British Columbia, has become the focal point of a community discussion. The Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society has requested a portion of the Mount Baker RV Park & Campground from the city for the construction of a 10-bed hospice house. However, the city council, during a special meeting on Monday, decided to gather public feedback on this site and four other potential locations.
Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price suggested approving the campground donation in principle to provide the hospice society with a potential site for fundraising and development, with further public consultation and approvals to follow. Unfortunately, his proposal did not receive support for discussion from council members.
A public survey is scheduled for September, wherein residents will be asked to express their preference regarding the proposed hospice location. The survey, part of the city’s 2027 Budget Citizen Survey running from September 8 to October 2, will include questions about the Mount Baker RV Park site and the other four potential locations for the hospice. The survey results are anticipated to be presented to the new council in November to aid in making a final decision.
Mount Baker RV Park operator Nicole Wall expressed satisfaction with the additional time before a decision is made, emphasizing the historical significance of the RV park in Cranbrook and her desire to see it revitalized. The campground, established around 1925, has served various purposes over the past century.
Chair of the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society, George Watson, highlighted the advantages of the Mount Baker site due to its proximity to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and accessibility for individuals from the region. He clarified that the society’s intention is not to displace the campground, which operates seasonally from April to October.
The debate surrounding the hospice project may arise from misunderstandings about its purpose and operations, as described by hospice volunteer Jeff Williams. He explained a hospice house as a tranquil, purpose-built setting where individuals can spend their final days receiving comfort-focused care. Currently, there is no dedicated hospice house in the East Kootenay region, and the closest one is in Kelowna.
Dr. Greg Andreas from Cranbrook emphasized the community support required for bidding farewell, expressing his backing for the hospice project at a council meeting in July. Watson underscored the necessity for a hospice house in the region, leaving the final decision on its location as the main query to address.