Lumby and area residents could be forced to purchase property to keep the doctor they have.
Mayor Kevin Acton is suggesting the village and two adjacent electoral areas may have to buy the building used by doctors for offices.
“Local government may have to look at providing what the doctors need so we can attract and retain doctors,” he said.
Lumby is on the verge of losing one of its two physicians, and partly because of conditions in the building owned by the provincial government.
“The province raised the rent for the building and the building needs work,” said Hank Cameron, Cherryville director.
The government purchased the building from the village for $1 many years ago to provide community services.
Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director, admits the reduction in doctors could negatively impact residents, especially if they have to travel to Vernon for care.
“It will be challenging for seniors that don’t have transportation,” he said.
“The loss of a doctor affects the pharmacy and facilities with massage therapy and chiropractic services.”
Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, says he’s aware of concerns about the conditions at the doctors’ office.
“I’ve been discussing it with (government) staff in Victoria and we are working towards a solution,” said Foster, who is a Lumby resident.
“I am also working with the Ministry of Health on physician recruitment. It’s a great community and we have to find the right fit.”
