A proposed Akinsdale birthing centre is going to the next stage in its proposal, with a public hearing set to take place on the evening of Monday, June 21.
The project, put forth by St. Albert Community Midwives, would see the house located at 32 Akins Dr. turned into a community-based health-care facility. If accepted, it would provide a safe and relaxed home-like space for women under the care of a registered midwife to experience labour and delivery of their children.
The proposal had its first open house meeting in January where it met with little resistance. The next hearing will focus on redistricting the site from a low-density residential district to a direct-control district.
Keri McEachern lives in the neighbourhood and thinks the centre would be "a fabulous addition." She has experienced the services of a midwife and an OBGYN for the births of her children and she said the difference in care was "like night and day."
"I have absolutely no problem and I’m not concerned about parking or anything else," she enthused. "I think they would be excellent neighbours, much more inclusive, and fit into the neighbourhood than the monstrosity of the car wash across the street."
The house in question is right across the street from the Appleyard Square strip mall.
"Women need to have options in birthing. Additionally, now during COVID, birthing centres are able to maintain distance and capacity better than hospitals. Hospitals are for sick people. Having a baby is not emergent and the women, less any emergencies, are able to deliver with minimal interventions. We (live) close enough to the Sturgeon Hospital in case transfer of care is needed," she said.
Midwives provide primary care to expectant mothers who are at low risk for complications. They offer services throughout the pregnancy, birth, and for six weeks postpartum. Skilled professionals, they also have access to labs and diagnostic services, can carry and prescribe select medications, and can consult or refer to other specialists, among other services.
During the Jan. 12 virtual open house on the project (a recording of which was posted online at stalbertmidwives.ca/Birth-Centre.php), there was a resounding chorus of support, with one dissenting voice whose disapproval was based mostly on the fact that St. Albert Community Midwives is a private business that would receive public-health funding.
Birthing centres are not funded by the government, midwife Anna Gimpel replied at the time. Another commenter, whose due date was in mid-spring, suggested the administrative process move faster so she could potentially access a midwife's care at the centre.
This would require the passing of proposed Bylaw 10/2021, the details of which may be obtained by sending an email to [email protected]. You can also get copies of the proposed development permit from that email or by telephoning the Planning Department at 780-459-1642.
After the public hearing, city staff will conduct a review to determine if changes are required, which would necessitate a second public meeting before a bylaw is prepared. That bylaw would go before the public at a city council meeting before a final decision is made.
St. Albert Community Midwives did not respond to offer comment on the proposal. If it succeeds, this would be the first birthing centre in the city, and only the second in the Edmonton area. There are currently only four in the province, with centres also located in Calgary, Rocky Mountain House, and Plamondon.
The virtual public hearing will take place on Zoom starting at 5 p.m. Further details can be found on the city's website. If you wish to address council orally you must send an email to [email protected] by 3 p.m. on Friday, June 18.
