The Compassionate Care Hospice Society went before Clearwater County council to request additional funding.

Since 2020, the Compassionate Care Hospice Society has been receiving grants of $20,000 by the County and the Town to cover staffing expenses related to operating the hospice.

In 2022, the Society requested an increase of $65,000 for a total amount of $85,000 from both the County and Town for the additional costs expected from bringing on a second suite. The Society presented to council on Sept. 27, 2022, to discuss the costs associated with the second suite and requested a sum of $170,000 between the County and Town to be included in the 2023 budgets. The presentation was received for information and discussed further during budget deliberations.

During 2023 budget deliberations, County council approved the additional amount, on the condition that the Town also approved their share. As the Town did not approve the additional $65,000, the County only released the original $20,000 in 2023.

The Society is requesting $85,000 for 2024 and administration assumes that in order to maintain staff, this request will continue to be made in future years. The 2024 funding application cites the need for the increase in funds for increased staffing costs which include additional hours for the Executive Director, and a desire to bring the contracted Marketing Services Provider on as an employee for 30 hours per week. The combined employee remuneration is $97,200 not including workers compensation benefits.

The Society is requesting $85,000 in 2024 to help offset the costs of employees for the Compassionate Care Hospice. The 2023 financials have been submitted and reviewed by administration. Administration would recommend a funding agreement be drawn up between both parties if the Society is looking for continuing funding, consistent with the request for 2024.

Councillor Daryl Lougheed said, “I would certainly be in support of granting the request of this organization. I think they exemplify exactly what Clearwater County residents believe is important, that being respect, dignity empathy and compassion and this group exemplifies that.”

A motion was put forward by councillor Sydney Graham, that council support the Society’s funding request for $85,000 for 2024. Which was unanimously carried by council.