The issue of doctor compensation was again brought up at the March 10 Ponoka town council meeting, as Dr. Gregory Sawisky presented concerns on behalf of the physicians of the Battle River Medical Clinic.
“I’m here tonight to make you aware of the dire cuts the provincial government has made to primary care and family physicians and how these cuts will affect our town.”
On Feb. 20, Health Minister Tyler Shandro terminated the master agreement with doctors.
Sawisky outlined the physicians’ concerns and asked council for a letter of support for bringing MLA Ron Orr and Shandro back to the negotiation table.
Mayor Rick Bonnett responded that the town understands the doctors’ concerns, as the town is dealing with downloaded costs itself, and would support the doctors to at least get back to the talks.
Council later passed a motion to write a letter of support to Ponoka doctors, addressed to Orr and Shandro.
March 10 council briefs
53 St. and 53 Ave.
Coun. Carla Prediger made a notice of motion, asking transportation department to review and make adjustments to the intersection of 53 Ave. and 51 St., where numerous collisions have occurred.
Fees, rates and charges
Town council passed first and second reading of its rates, fees and charges bylaw. The bylaw places all rates, fees and charges into one document.
Feb. 25 council briefs
Canada Winter Games
Bonnett attended an anniversary event in Red Deer commemorating a year since the city hosted the Canada Winter Games on Feb. 13. The Town of Ponoka and the Ponoka Stampede Association were recognized for their contributions.
“It was recorded as one of the best winter games in Canadian history,” said Bonnett.
Empty lot
Bonnett advised council that Landrex is actively advertising the empty lot beside the Ponoka Civic Centre for lease for a ftuure building.
“Feb. 14, I attended a meeting with Albert, myself and the proposed new building owners, and potential builders and groups that were possibly looking to come in here, so that is getting very close and hopefully we will see something in the next six to eight months.”