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KERHD approves extra funding for EKRH project
To continue to show its strong support for the Oncology & Renal Project at East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH), the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District (KERHD) Board of Directors has approved an additional $7.12 million for the project.
“We have been, and continue to be, strong advocates for this project. With the province preparing to make capital funding decisions before our next Hospital District meeting—and given that the project may not be approved without formal confirmation of our commitment to provide the additional funds — the board convened a special meeting and adopted the required bylaw amendments today,” explained KERHD Board Chair David Wilks.
“With our funding in place, we trust the province will continue to move this project forward, approve its share of the funding increase, and proceed with construction plans this year.”
The special meeting was called after Interior Health requested additional capital funding of $7,126,400 from the Hospital District for the original two-storey project. This brings the total cost of the first and second floor of the project to $76,740,000 with Interior Health’s share being $46,444,000 and Hospital District’s share being $30,296,000.
The additional Hospital District share of $7,126,400 will be added to the KERHD 2026 annual budget, which is considering a taxation increase of $30 per average residential property in each year from 2026-2030.
“This project is critical for our region. This board has not only been advocating for these expanded Renal and Oncology Services for several years, we have also consistently and proactively designated funding to ensure we were ready to act once the project was approved. Now is the time to act. We cannot afford to wait or to have this project delayed any further,” said Wilks.
In addition to the funding for the original project, the KERHD has approved up to $15 million in funding for the cost of adding a third floor onto the project subject to a $15 million contribution from Elk Valley Resources also being allocated to this addition.
e-KNOW file photo
