The Kimberley Health Centre Society, represented by Ingrid Liepa and Kent Goodwin a report and proposed budget to Council on March 11, 2024.
Like many Kimberley facilities, the Health Centre, which is the former Kimberley hospital building, underwent an assessment in 2023.
The assessment is that the building, built in 1961, and closed as a hospital in 2002, will need a capital influx of $4.8 million.
“Maintaining the status quo is insufficient.” Liepa told Council. “We will need funding to get the third floor leasable.”
The good news is that revenue is up 48 per cent, despite the loss of two major tenants, Life Labs and the pharmacy. Interior Health took over the space that those two tenants left in order to increase space for the primary care network. This is particularly important as approximately 2,000 people in Kimberley do not have a primary health care provider.
The Health Centre Society also adjusted their lease rates in recent years and now feel they are competitive.
On a less positive note, expenses are up 82 per cent. Part of that is inflation, and the way BC Assessment now assesses buildings such as the health centre, which meant a substantial rise in property taxes paid to the province. And the other is that the more space is leased out, the more custodian time is needed, and the more utility costs rise.
Current tenants are Interior Health, the Kimberley Medical Clinic, Purcell Physiotherapy, the Loan Cupboard, Healthy Kimberley FoodRecovery Depot, EcoFish Research and the City of Kimberley.
The 2024 budget projects revenue at $463,285. Goodwin said that about $105,000 will be put back into the building, three times more than in 2021. It is almost a break even venture, he said. In fact the only thing preventing a break even is the $39,000 building depreciation.
Coun. Sue Cairns asked about how difficult it is to find volunteer board members.
“I wouldn’t say it’s smooth sailing,” Liepa said. “I’ve interviewed a lot of people who are interested but when they find out what we do they are less interested. We are non-profit landlords. But folks who do find us to be interesting make good board members. We are looking for more. It’s an important and valuable part of our community.”
READ: Kimberley Health Centre Society explains rent increases
READ: City of Kimberley will provide interim financing to Health Centre Society for building improvements