The Burnaby Hospital planning committee process is moving forward, with dates now set for public consultations.

The committee has said that anyone in the community interested in presenting ideas or concerns is welcome to book a time to make a brief presentation to the committee.

The group, co-chaired by MLAs Harry Bloy and Richard Lee, was struck in late April with the intention of gathering information and ideas for future hospital planning.

An initial report is expected back by the fall, as the first step in the master-planning process for the future of the hospital, which was initially built in the 1960s, with an extension built in the 1970s.

At the initial announcement about the planning process, Health Minister Mike de Jong said the two MLAs would act as special liaisons between his office and the committee, and urged local residents to come forward with ideas.

"It will involve you, all of you," he said. "Please take seriously the invitation to be a part of this."

Dr. David Jones recently told the NOW that the committee has been hearing from local citizens and health groups, and that they've extended the invitation to residents west of Boundary Road, as many people in the eastern portions of Vancouver use Burnaby Hospital.

Dates for the public consultation sessions will be June 28, from 4 to 7 p.m.; July 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; July 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.; July 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Aug. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m.; Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sept. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m.; and Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The final date for written submissions to the committee is Friday, Sept. 7.

Locations for the sessions will be announced closer to the dates, but alternate locations are expected to be held in north Burnaby, south Burnaby and central Burnaby.

Email mybbyhospital@hotmail.com to reserve a date and time to make a presentation, or to send in a written submission.

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