The Future of the Old Cowichan Hospital Site Should Be Decided in Public
- Clayton Frost
- May 13
- 2 min read
6,637 paper signatures show that people want facts, transparency, and a real public conversation before major decisions are made.
Old Cowichan District Hospital site
There was an important moment at today’s Special Hospital District Board meeting. A public petition to save the old Cowichan District Hospital site for future health care use has now reached 6,637 paper signatures, with more still coming in.
The message is pretty clear, people in the Cowichan Valley do not want this decision made quietly or behind closed doors. There are a lot of ideas being discussed, including long term care, mental health and addictions treatment, cancer care, Alzheimer’s care, pediatrics, and other badly needed health services.
“The message is pretty clear, people in the Cowichan Valley do not want this decision made quietly or behind closed doors.”
Not every idea will be possible. That is exactly why public meetings matter. Island Health, local doctors, Cowichan Tribes, the Hospital Foundation, local governments, staff, and the public should all have a chance to be part of that conversation before major decisions are made.
The old hospital is a major public asset. Before any final direction is taken, people deserve clear answers about the condition of the building, the costs, the options, and what services our region actually needs most. I was glad to hear the board acknowledge that this is a real issue and that public engagement could be looked at through the upcoming budget process.
This should not be rushed, and it should not be left to rumours. Let’s get the facts on the table, hear from the community, and make the best possible decision for the future of health care in the Cowichan Valley.
What do you think should happen with the old hospital site?
Clay is listening to residents across Area E and the Cowichan Valley. Share your thoughts and stay connected.
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