It's Open!

By Jack Elliott
Contributor
It’s open! On Saturday, July 20, dozens of area residents gathered at the Rainy River Locum Rental House to participate in its grand opening and tour the now completed facility. There were plenty of Ooohs and Aaahs as folks viewed the results of their efforts over the past three years to bring this dream to reality. The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Building Committee Chair Gordon Armstrong, Lake of the Woods Reeve Val Pizey, Dr. David Singleton, volunteer Norma Elliott, Rainy River Mayor Debbie Ewald, and Fundraising Chair Carolyn Kreger.
The purpose of this project is to encourage short term temporary locums and long term medical professionals to work in Rainy River by providing a comfortable and attractive rental housing facility that showcases the community. It has done just that. While many communities struggle and often fail to attract doctors to cover their healthcare requirements, Rainy River area communities have met the challenge with Rainy River House. Three local municipalities, Dawson Township, Lake of the Woods Township, the Town of Rainy River, and Big Grassy First Nation partnered to bring this goal to fruition.
“Visiting doctors are very impressed with Rainy River House. I don’t think we will have a problem continuing to recruit doctors,” stated Dr. David Singleton, one of three physicians providing permanent coverage for the Rainy River area’s healthcare needs.
“It’s beautiful. You wake up in the morning and look out on that beautiful Rainy River and you know exactly where you are- and happy to be here,” enthused Dr. Joe Ennett, who commutes into Rainy River from his home in southern Ontario. He is delighted with the locum rental house.
Rental income from the facility will provide for ongoing operation and maintenance as well as a helping with the initial capital costs. Volunteer work and fundraising, which is ongoing, will retire the capital costs which were funded by loans from the participating partners. A virtual army of volunteers of individuals and organizations have made this dream – Rainy River House- a reality.
For additional information on this press release please contact Jack Elliott at 807-852-3790. Two pictures have been sent by separate email