As part of the on-going Town Square Complex Renewal Project, funding has been identified to potentially cover a significant portion of the capital costs associated with mechanical and energy infrastructure. The Canada Community-Building Fund; Strategic Priorities Fund is currently accepting applications with a deadline of June 30, 2022 and requires a resolution of Regional Council supporting the application.

The SPF-Capital Infrastructure stream provides grant funding specifically targeted for the capital costs of local government infrastructure projects that are large in scale, regional in impact, or innovative and support the national objectives of productivity and economic growth, a clean environment and strong cities and communities. Projects can be 100% funded up to a maximum of $6,000,000.

The table below outlines a Class D Estimated of $5,127,800 which slightly differs from the $5,060,000 costs previously presented to Regional Council as there were additional components identified that met the grant criteria. Total project costs specific to the grant application include 10% for contingency, 10% for soft costs (engineering, supervision, management) and equipment and relocation. Given the current fluctuations in goods and services and concerns in supply-chain, a factor of 15% was given to inflation.

Angela DeSmit, COO Northeast, Sandra Rossi, Regional Director of Recruitment and Annette Weger, Hospital Site Administrator FNGH of Northern Health provided a presentation reviewing the staffing levels in Fort Nelson across all health service areas including in-community (the Health Unit) and in-hospital, noting that in comparison to regional and provincial vacancy rates where nursing was concerned, Fort Nelson's rate of vacancy is extremely low, and have a higher-than-average rate of retention of health practitioners. There was a review of current vacancies across all program areas, including lab services at FNGH, as well as the broad and varied range of efforts being undertaken to fill the positions. Incentives, paid advertising, direct outreach to members of professional associations and contact with past potential candidates are among the various measures being taken to recruit for current vacancies.

In terms of future workforce planning, it was shared that the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) as a new pathway for future Health Care Assistants (HCAs) to receive training and education as an HCA while working as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW). This initiative supports the increased need for additional staff in long-term care, assisted living, and home and community care settings.

Northern Health Presentation |

Due to a shortage of NRRM lifeguards, (as well as a nation-wide shortage), the pool will soon begin operating at reduced hours. Starting July 1, 2022 the pool will have reduced hours of operation with the goal of maintaining 7-days a week, but with fewer hours per day, and the potential for capping attendees during larger swim events. The Municipality is making every effort to train and recruit lifeguards to get the pool back to full operating hours.