Complex care
Elected officials adopted a bylaw at the September 19 Powell River Regional Hospital District board meeting to provide funds for a project to replace Olive Devaud residence.
The capital expenditure bylaw provides for about $1.3 million from reserves to the end of 2012 for the design and construction of a new complex care facility on the grounds of Powell River General Hospital.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) announced in July it had recently completed conceptual drawings for the facility and would be moving to the next phase of the roughly $23.5-million project, detailed mechanical, electrical and structural drawings.
The regional hospital district is providing 100 per cent of the capital to build the facility, through reserves and financing from the Municipal Finance Authority, as well as owning the land. VCH will lease the building for 20 years through an operating lease and is managing the project.
Colin Palmer, regional hospital district board chair, said the money authorized by the bylaw is being advanced to VCH until the borrowing stage begins. He also said terms of reference are being developed to name the facility, which is commonly called the new Olive Devaud.
The facility is slated for completion in early 2015.
Shark fin ban
City of Powell River councillors passed a motion to vote in favour of a province-wide ban of shark-fin products at the 2012 UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) annual convention.
Councillor Myrna Leishman pointed out 100 million sharks are slaughtered and finned every year.
