Funding for Dawson Creek medical accommodation set to be discontinued

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Bultery’s House is urging residents to speak out as the house is set to lose its funding in December 2026.

Bultery’s House provides short or long-term affordable accommodation to those travelling to Dawson Creek seeking medical treatment. 

The house is run by the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living, along with the South Peace Health Services Society. 

According to the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living website, the house aims to improve access to health care and provide comfortable, safe lodging for its guests.

The house offers rooms for $30 per night, as well as access to shared spaces, including a kitchen and dining area, shared laundry, and two lounge areas. 

In a Facebook post on May 19th, Bultery’s House said the removal of the funding raises several concerns, including access to care, equity for rural residents, impacts on families and pressure on the healthcare system.

It said people may be forced to delay or forgo necessary medical treatment due to the cost of travel and lodging. 

According to the post, the decision to remove funding will impact families.

“Many people rely on support persons, who also depend on these accommodations to remain close during treatment periods, particularly during critical times such as ICU stays or palliative care.” 

In 2023, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) agreed to provide a letter of support for the house as it sought additional funding. 

According to a letter written to the NRRM in December 2023, Chris Norbury, president of the South Peace Health Service Society, stated the house previously received funding support from Northern Health.

The house received the funding through a partnership with the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living; however, the funding ended on March 31st, 2024.