Carson Ellis
For the Bashaw Star
Eric and Georgina Gaudette presented a plan to Bashaw town council that aims to give those in the area access to timely, reliable access to competent local care.
The plan, called Bashaw Model of Primary Care was discussed at the town’s council meeting on April 24.
Eric told council that one of the major problems of finding steady primary care providers is that many of them do not wish to own/operate their own clinics, and often don’t wish to work full-time hours.
The group is reviewing different options to fill gaps in primary care. Gaudette says one of the main issues is that with current funding systems, the funds follow the care provider. One option may be to form team-based care options and find ways to fund them. They also say it’s important not to overlook social support for those requiring care.
The group will be planning more public meetings to assess the problem and discuss ways to help solve it as effectively as possible.
The group was requesting a letter of support for the development of the Bashaw Model of Primary Care. Mayor Rob McDonald’s motion to draft a letter of support for the group’s efforts was approved.
Council also briefly addressed the proposed increase in waste collection fees.
This is due to operating costs going up based on a few factors. Council noted that several times throughout the year garbage pickup happens on a statutory holiday. Two sites, West Dried Meat Lake dump site and another one are accessed by the contractor at a slightly larger charge on holidays. Therefore, the new fee for waste collection has been recommended at $17.83/month which is an increase of four dollars. It is the first increase since 2013.
Council also reviewed the 2024 Operating Budget. The proposed budget includes an increase of 3.34 per cent. Coun. Kyle McIntosh motioned to approve the proposed budget based on the summary presented, and it carried.