Sounds of the Season
The choir from St. James Catholic Church
sing the sounds of the season during the 11th annual Okotoks Community Christmas
Concert held at the Evangelical Free Church on Sunday evening. The church was full
of magical music of the holidays as local schools, choirs and musicians gathered
to celebrate the holidays to an inspired audience.
photo by Cindy Ballance
Health study reveals plans for a new one-stop health
facility in Town of Okotoks
By Cindy Ballance
Editor
Okotoks residents may soon be able to obtain health services right in town after a study revealed Okotoks is in need of a new health services facility.
The study, prepared by the Resource Management Consultants, was presented to the Headwaters Health Authority at its regular meeting held in Vulcan last week.
After months of interviews, data collection and planning, the consultants determined that a community health care centre is needed in Okotoks.
The centre will focus on primary care, health promotion and community outreach programs.
The health services study was initiated due to a number of factors including the fact that a number of people were having to leave the region for health services.
'For a number of those (services) residents should have access within their own community,' said Fergie Johnston, executive leader of support services for Headwaters.
'Certainly the growing population in the Okotoks community is a factor. We have recognized in the last few years a need for health services in Okotoks,' he added.
Mayor Bill McAlpine added his excitement after the announcement of a new facility. 'That was what we pushed for when we asked for a study. We need it,' he said.
'I think it is great news and I am thrilled with results (of the study),' added McAlpine.
Local residents oppose Vyefield's development
By John Barlow
Staff Reporter and Sports Editor
Concerns from neighbors may cause some difficulties for a food service business
that has been operating for a decade.
Several residents attended a public hearing on Thursday at the MD of Foothills office
in High River to voice their opposition against Vyefield Enterprises which operates
just one mile west of Okotoks.
Vyefield Enterprises operates a 100,000-bird poultry farm as well as a raisin packaging
and bread mix business.
On Thursday, Vyefield Enterprises was applying for a site specific development permit
for its raisin and bread mix operations. The business had been running for approximately
10 years, but an inspection done by the MD bylaw enforcement officer in August showed
that the business did not have the proper permits.
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The residents who attended the hearing were concerned about cross-contamination of bacteria from the poultry farm infecting the raisin and bread mix business which is housed in a separate building.
'If cross-contamination of products, land or water were to occur on these premises, would not future property buyers of land surrounding these operations question the safety of their families?' asked resident Gina Matzner.
Residents were also concerned about traffic on Big Rock Trail and odor.
Council tabled a decision on the application to look into the issue with Alberta Agriculture.
Reeve Wayne Berglund said there was a question as to the required distance between an intensive agricultural operation, the poultry farm, and a food preparation business.
Berglund said he would like some clarification on the required setbacks prior to making a decision on the permit application.
'The health services currently (available in Okotoks) would be part of the new centre,' said Johnston.
The new community health centre will also include:
' the concept of one-stop shopping for a variety of health services;
' services that are currently provided such as community care and outpatient services;
' a focus on health promotion and health education; and
' basis diagnostic services such as laboratory work and x-rays.
Johnston explained a need was also identified for the centre to provide urgent care on an after-hour basis. However, the centre would not deal with serious emergency situations.
'The report does not support a need for an acute care hospital,' Johnston explained.
'The trend in health service is towards community-based services,' he added.
There is also a possibility that the centre would house offices for physicians, however, details have not been confirmed.
Also stated in the report is a plan for a minimum of 50 long-term beds for Okotoks in partnership with other service providers.
The announcement of a community care centre in Okotoks was also welcomed news to the town.
'This is a very positive and exciting recommendation coming forward for health,' said municipal manager Will Pearce.
'The health service study speaks to comprehensive health services being established in Okotoks which can only contribute to the betterment of our community, improved health care and services and certainly a better overall lifestyle,' he added.
'It is a facility that in scope of service and scale complements other health (facilities) in the region. This would be a tremendous step for our community,' Pearce said.
(continued next column)
Johnston explained that concepts such as 'aging in place' which provides a continuum of health services in one area would allow residents to remain in the community and have access to various services such as enhanced home care, palliative care, community rehabilitation services and adult day support programs.
The concept of 'assisted living' is also being considered. The concept provides a higher level of support to those who wish to remain in the home environment, said Johnston.
Headwaters has already made the first step in establishing a community health care centre in Okotoks. An initial request to the government for $5 million has been issued.
The second step in the process is to establish further consultations with the various community stakeholders such as the MD of Foothills, the Healthy Okotoks Coalition and other health providers.
'We will be looking for support for this plan,' said Johnston.
In addition, Headwaters will also continue to work with the Calgary Regional Health Authority on pursuing the project.
'We are pleased with the outcome of the study. We didn't have any surprises. For us it confirmed the need for health services in Okotoks,' said Johnston.
It is hoped that by next year Headwaters is able to begin some specific program planning and possibly some design work.
'We are also hoping for government support by the end of March,' said Johnston.
It has not been determined where the centre will be located, however, in conjunction with the town Headwaters will begin searching for an adequate location.
'This is an exciting report which paints a picture of future health services in the Okotoks area,' said Headwaters CEO Dwight Nelson.
'This report is the product of input from many people -- the mayor and council of Okotoks, health professionals, services and volunteer groups in the community, the Healthy Okotoks Coalition, the Calgary Regional Health Authority and others. It provides a foundation for meeting the future health needs of this dynamic community,' said Nelson.
