Kamloops may need more amenities in order to attract doctors: councillor

“Affordable housing is probably not the issue,” city councillor Margot Middleton said, adding that overcrowded schools and a shortage of recreation facilities for their children could be a drawback when considering a move to the region.

“We already know that our arenas and soccer fields and whatnot are operating at over capacity,” Middleton told CFJC News. “We don’t have enough space, we don’t have enough rinks – enough fields, for our current demand, let alone an increased demand with more people moving into Kamloops.”

Heidi Coleman, CEO of the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, says some doctors are looking for more practical support from municipalities, like prepaid housing or child care and a 24-hour daycare.

With doctors in high demand, Coleman said the region would need to think outside the box regarding what is offered to new family physicians.

“We have heard of other cities doing loan forgiveness because a lot of these young doctors have tremendous debt,” Coleman said. “Also helping them with their business model and their business plan.”

by Sydney Chisholm

Kamloops may need more amenities in order to attract doctors: councillor

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