The Village of Burns Lake held a meeting on Dec. 12 to discuss the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre’s emergency department’s frequent closure with Northern Health.
Henry Wiebe, Burns Lake’s mayor, stated that Northern Health reported that the hospital requires five more doctors to prevent future closures and accommodate the staffing shortfall.
Mayor Wiebe informed council that Northern Health is trying their best to solve this crisis to prevent future hospital closures.
Burns Lake corporate energy and emissions plan community energy study
Community Energy Association (CEA) updated council about completing the energy study conducted on the Lakeside Multiplex.
The total budget allocated to run this study was $34,785, of which $6,597 was the village’s share of the cost.
This study aimed to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from regular business operations at the multiplex.
The report states that by 2030, it is expected to save $111,320 in energy costs from GHG emissions, a 31 per cent reduction.
Although, the overall plan is for 132 tons of carbon-dioxide reduction, meaning a 40 per cent decrease during business hours by 2050.
Katherine McDougall, CEA’s climate planning and research specialist, said investing in electric vehicles (EV), EV charging stations, and low-carbon heating systems and implementing solar photovoltaic (PV) installations can make energy savings efficient for the multiplex.
After the presentation, Mayor Wiebe thanked CEA for the report and council will thoroughly look into the recommendations at a later date.
Centennial Art Unveiling Ceremony and Silent Auction
At the Centennial art unveiling ceremony and silent auction, Kara Palmer’s new commissioned painting was unveiled to celebrate Burns Lake’s 100th anniversary on Dec. 6.
This was the final event of The Search for Burns Lakes Centennial Artist; the artists donated all their artworks to the Lakes District Museum for this celebration.
Kara Palmer the centennial artist winner gifted her new painting to the Village of Burns Lake.
Sheryl Worthing, Village of Burns Lake’s chief administrative officer, informed council that the generous gift will be hanged at the Village of Burns Lake’s office.
However, she has concerns about the future of the painting and made suggestions to lend it to the Burns Lake Public Library and the Burns Lake Visitor Information Centre for public display in their lobby.
Right now, the painting is kept at the museum for digitizing.