Addington Highland Council - Mar. 21/23

By Craig Bakay

ike just about every other community in Ontario (at least the smaller and/or rural ones) Addington Highlands is having trouble recruiting a doctor to the area — and that’s not likely to change, Lakelands Family Heath Team Executive Director Janice Powell told Council at its regular meeting March 21 in Denbigh.

“We’re not the only ones having issues recruiting,” Powell said. “We’ve advertised on Health Force Ontario, we’ve advertised on buildings, we have it on our Facebook and web page and we have ads in medical journals — which is very expensive.

“We’ve been to recruitment fairs at Ottawa University and Queen’s.”

She said they’ve invested “a very good display” and they even have a candy bowl.

They’re planning to go to a conference in Niagara Falls but “it’s very expensive.

“The difference between us and the others is that (many of) the others have headhunters working for them.”

If they do find somebody that shows interest, it’s likely someone like Dr. Elliott, who was returning to the area but only

Columns Cont from p5 or Ken at 613-336-3211 wants to work a couple of days a week.

“There’s 25 per cent more paperwork here and a lot of family practitioners want to work their shift in a hospital,” she said. “You have a blended salary model and your incentive program is great (but) the two questions I hear most often are ‘how close is the nearest gym?’ and ‘what about a job for my spouse?’”

Coun. Ken Hook praised the work Powell has done and suggested the area lifestyle should be an asset.

“There’s no question Jan has done everything right,” Hook said. “We live in an area where people go to on their vacation.”

“If someone is interested, we give them the tour,” Powell said. “It includes Bon Echo, we show them the rock.”

Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch asked “where do you see the trend going in the next three to five years?”

“They’re going to have to open it up to more university admissions and allow more medical doctors from outside Canada

“(But) I see it going down the tubes. The median age is going up which means

The Lions Spring Extravaganza will be taking place on • Saturday May 6th from 10-2. Please come and check out our talented Artisans.

LOL Lions are asking you to collect and drop off “new” tiny items that could fit in glass cases ie toothpaste, toothbrushes, lip balm or any small item that could be useful for those in need.

DENBIGH & VENNACHAr

Gail Fritsch

613-333-2224 tonygailfritsch@sympatico.ca

We certainly are having our winter and snow is sticking around until late March at least, however the spring weather is not far away. We will let you know when the Denbigh Lake ice goes out!

Land O’ Lakes Community Services will be hosting Den- • bigh Diners on Monday April 3 from 11am to 1pm at the Denbigh Hall. We will be having Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Vegetables and Dessert, all for $10.00. Please RSVP Betty.

The Recreation Committee is hosting a Euchre Night at • the Denbigh Hall for $2.00 on Friday March 31 at 7pm. The plan is for them to be every second Friday night.

The Denbigh Library is having an Easter Craft, Story • and Easter Egg Hunt on Wednesday April 5 from 6 to 7pm. Please register at 613-333-1426 to join in the fun.

The Denbigh Recreation Committee is having an Easter • Party at Heritage Park on Saturday April 8 from 11am to