Northeast B.C. leaders explore access to Alberta medical centre

Municipal leaders in northeast British Columbia are considering how a new nonprofit medical centre under construction in Grande Prairie, Alberta, could support health care in the Peace region. Maskwa Medical Centre chair Ken Drysdale met with the Peace River Regional District on Sept. 10 to give an update on the project. He said the facility is intended to serve patients in both Alberta and B.C., and suggested creating an interprovincial health committee to discuss shared needs. The centre is aiming to open by 2027 and plans to provide specialist access through a teambased model. Organizers say more than $18.5 million has been raised for construction, while $15 million in additional capital funding is still being sought from the Alberta government. Local officials said easing crossborder barriers could improve access to care for residents in the North.