An Alberta community that has been searching without luck for a doctor is trying to sweeten its offer to potential candidates.
Bragg Creek has been without a doctor for the past six months. In July, their previous physician left and since then local residents have been hunting for a new one. But they've had one rejection after another.
Now, they hope to make an offer too good to pass up.
Any physician who wants to set up shop in the community will have a ready-to-go office waiting upon arrival. It comes equipped with a furnished waiting room, scales, and even medical equipment.
If that's not enough, the office will be provided rent-free.
Don Gebauer owns the office space. He's also the local pharmacist. By providing the free space, Gebauer hopes to help his neighbours and himself.
"My business is really suffering since I'm the pharmacist out here. As well, a community of this size needs a physician," he said.
For the past few months, residents who have needed to see a doctor have had to drive to Calgary, which is 50 kilometres away.
"It creates a lot of awkward situations for a lot of people. We've got a lot of seniors out here, a lot of young people," said Bob Jackson, a Bragg Creek resident.
Residents say they've got a great community nestled in a beautiful natural setting in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The community offers lots of opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing.
Those who live in Bragg Creek can't believe they've had such a hard time with their search.
"It blows me away that a doctor wouldn't want to operate out here, especially with the free rent," said local resident Monolo Garcia.
The previous physician had close to 2,000 patients in Bragg Creek and its neighbouring communities. Residents hope that once word of the offer spreads and physicians find out about the free rent, their search for a doctor will quickly come to an end.
With a report from CTV Calgary's Nujma Yaqzan
