qathet Regional Hospital District Adopts 2026 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan

qathet, BC – At the March 24, 2026 qathet Regional Hospital District (qRHD) Board Meeting, the qRHD Board adopted the 2026 Budget and 2026-2030 Financial Plan. The 2026 budget means a three per cent increase over that of 2025.

Highlights of the 2026 budget include:

• The ongoing pay down of the debt for the Willingdon Creek Village Complex Care Facility which is set to be fully paid out in 2034.
• A contribution to reserves to fund the region’s local contribution toward the cost of constructing or renovating healthcare facilities and toward major equipment purchases.

“The qathet Regional Hospital District plays an important role liaising with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to support the financing of hospital services and amenities within our unique region,” said qathet Regional Hospital District Board Chair, Brandon Louie. “Working together, the Board is committed to the advancement of local representatives’ role in funding the projects that matter most to our communities.”

About the qathet Regional Hospital District:
The qathet Regional Hospital District (qRHD) plays a vital role in funding the development and improvement of healthcare facilities within the qathet Regional District and Tla’amin Nation. Established under the Hospital District Act, qRHD provides financial support for the construction, renovation, and expansion of hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Governed by a Board that includes members from both the qathet Regional District and Tla’amin Nation, qRHD ensures local representation in healthcare funding decisions. The qRHD works in partnership with the local health authority, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH) to invest in critical healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment, helping to enhance healthcare services and support the well-being of residents across the region.

Contributions to the qRHD are collected annually through property taxes in each of the five Electoral Areas, and the City of Powell River. Funding is also provided by the Tla’amin Nation.

The qRHD is not a local health authority, and does not operate hospital or health facilities located on qRHD lands, but does contribute to health services in our region. The qRHD owns Willingdon Creek Village Complex Care Facility and the former Saint John’s Ambulance building on Arbutus Street, which is currently leased to Miklat Recovery Society. The qRHD has provided hospital district lands to support the development of emergency supportive housing and designated the remainder of undeveloped campus of care lands for future health care needs. For more information on the qRHD, please visit qathet.ca/regional-hospital-district.

CONTACT:

Linda Greenan, General Manager of Financial Administration & Chief Financial Officer

#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC  V8A 2L2

(604) 485-2260 | finance@qathet.ca |qathet.ca