Public input sought on housing for locums

By Ken Johnston
Editor

While other communities are struggling to find permanent doctors, Rainy River and the towns served by its medical facilities, are looking at ways to ensure part time doctors come here.
At Monday's regular monthly meeting of council, Councillor Marilyn McAlister spoke of a public meeting to be held next Wednesday regarding permanent housing for part time doctors or locums as they are called.
Town Clerk Veldron Vogan told the Record before the meeting that it has become increasingly difficult to attract them. "We are competing. Why come here when you can go to Red Lake and stay on the water."
With that in mind the council has been working with Dawson, Lake of the Woods and Morley Townships on a solution.
Councillor Gord Armstrong said it is important to keep locums coming here. Without them the community would not be able to staff an emergency ward. "Then it is like a cascade effect. We lose one thing then another," said Armstrong.
Vogan said the idea being tossed around now is to build a permanent housing facility for the locums and medical students; hopefully on the river.
Residents from the said communities are welcome to come to the meeting next Wednesday at the Legion to learn more and offer input.
There were no costs mentioned for the housing as of yet.
Other business
•Council changed employee benefits suppliers. Councillor Brent Anderson asked how much it will save the town and Vogan said about 6% of $2,700 each month.
•Pub. Wks. Chair Gerry Marchuk reported that the town's big back hoe's drive broke down. A new drive has been ordered at a cost of $14,000.
•Council agreed to participate in a review of an operation and cost sharing of the Fort Frances Airport.
•Council passed a motion to support the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board in its efforts to convince the provincial govt. to continue to provide funding for land ambulance capital purchases.
•Council agreed to move forward with the hiring process of a joint fire chief.