A plot of land in Cranbrook, British Columbia, has become a focal point of discussion within the community. In the upcoming months, residents will have a say in determining the location for a proposed 10-bed hospice house, following a decision by the city council to maintain its original public consultation strategy during a special meeting. The Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society has requested a portion of the Mount Baker RV Park & Campground to be allocated for the project. However, on July 27, the council opted to gather public feedback on this site as well as four other potential locations.
Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price urged the council to reconsider its stance and suggested granting preliminary approval for the campground donation. Price believed this would provide the hospice society with a designated site to kickstart fundraising efforts, with further public consultation and approvals still required. Despite Price’s proposal, it did not progress to discussion as it lacked support from council members.
To engage the community, a public survey is scheduled for September, incorporating queries about the hospice house plan in the city’s 2027 Budget Citizen Survey from September 8 to October 2. Residents will be asked to express their preference regarding the hospice’s location, whether at the Mount Baker RV Park as requested by the hospice society or at one of the other four potential sites. The survey results, expected to be unveiled in November, will assist the incoming council in making a final decision.
Mount Baker RV Park operator Nicole Wall expressed satisfaction with the extended decision-making timeline, emphasizing the historical significance of the RV park to Cranbrook and her desire to see it revitalized. Established around 1925, the Mount Baker campground has undergone various transformations over the past century.
George Watson, chair of the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society, highlighted the advantages of the Mount Baker site due to its proximity to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and accessibility for individuals from across the region. Watson stressed that the society’s intention was not to displace the campground, which mainly operates seasonally from April to October. Gavin Thomas, the co-operator of the Mount Baker RV Park, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the coexistence of both the hospice project and the RV park within the community.
Jeff Williams, a hospice volunteer, addressed potential misunderstandings about the nature of a hospice house and its operations. He described a hospice house as a serene, purpose-built environment where individuals can spend their final days receiving comfort-focused care. The hospice society noted the absence of a dedicated hospice house in the East Kootenay region, with existing palliative rooms in regional facilities being designated rather than dedicated, potentially leading to availability concerns. The closest hospice house is currently located in Kelowna.
Dr. Greg Andreas of Cranbrook voiced his support for the hospice project during a council meeting in July, emphasizing the community’s collective role in providing a dignified farewell. Watson emphasized the urgent need for a hospice house, underscoring the question of its eventual location.