MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Advances Business Case Development for Health Partnership Clinic
Fort Nelson, B.C. – October 22, 2026 - The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) is actively advancing Phase 2 of its business case development project to explore the establishment of a sustainable, community-driven Health Partnership Clinic.
Following announced physician departures in early 2026, Mayor and Council appointed a Northern Rockies Primary Care Stabilization Committee (PCSC), tasked with examining the delivery of primary care (family physician services) in the NRRM including governance, partnerships and service model options, and to provide findings and recommendations back to Council on a sustainable model moving forward.
Throughout the Spring of 2026, the PCSC undertook a thoughtful review of a range of primary care clinic models across the country, assessing the suitability and likelihood of success in the NRRM. Ultimately, the PCSC recommended the delivery of primary health services through a municipally-owned clinic operated through a collaborative partnership model that supports both primary, team-based care and critical care services.
Faced with ongoing rural healthcare delivery challenges, the NRRM and the PCSC are conducting thorough due diligence to examine collaborative operational models, physician integration, clinical governance, and facility options of a Northern Rockies Health Partnership Clinic. This initiative aims to ensure residents have dependable access to local primary healthcare services while supporting physician retention and work-life balance.
"Access to reliable primary healthcare is vital to the health and well-being of our community," said Rob Fraser, Mayor. "As part of Phase 2, we are taking a disciplined, transparent approach to evaluate clinic operational models, financial sustainability, and key partnerships so Council and our community have the complete information required to make sound, long-term decisions."
Key areas currently underway in the business case development include:
• Inter-Agency Collaboration & Best Practices: Engaging with partner organizations, including Northern Health and the Ministry of Health, while reviewing proven municipal primary care models from other British Columbia communities such as Colwood.
• Physician Alignment & Clinical Support: Working alongside local physicians and medical leadership to explore sustainable compensation models, administrative efficiencies, and practice oversight structures.
• Operational & Facility Due Diligence: Evaluating facility options, service planning, and governance models (such as municipal commission or subsidiary structures) to ensure compliance with provincial primary care network frameworks.
• Community & Partner Engagement: Preparing for broad public engagement and outreach to regional and Indigenous partners, to ensure local healthcare needs and perspectives guide the process.
While this comprehensive diligence phase is expected to take time to complete, regular progress updates will continue to be shared with Council and the public. Further details on community engagement opportunities and project milestones will be announced as the business case progresses.
Learn More:
• Establishment of a Select Committee of Council – Primary Care Stabilization
• Primary Care Stabilization Committee; Summary, Findings, & Recommendations Report
• Northern Rockies Health Partnership Clinic Workplan Phase 2 – Business Case Development
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Media Contact:
Alycia Gregory, Communications Coordinator
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality
P: 250‐774‐2541 x2035
E: [email protected]