The mayor of CBS says government has a real challenge ahead in addressing growing health care needs throughout the province.

Darrin Bent was responding to the provincial government’s decision to cancel plans for a new hospital complex at Kenmount Crossing due to cost.

Government estimates the price tag for the major hospital and road and water infrastructure project to be in the range of $10 billion, something Minister Barry Petten says the province simply can’t absorb at this time.

Instead, government plans to renovate St. Clare’s, and develop an urgent care clinic in CBS.

Mayor Bent understands affordability concerns, and while he believes the public wants a new hospital, the real challenge for government will be to address growing health care needs.

“Generally speaking I think we’re going to see an increase in health care offerings throughout the province regardless because the need is there.”

He cited concerns about wait times in particular. “It needs to be addressed, how it needs to be addressed, well, they’re going to have to figure that out. That’s their great challenge now over the next four years for sure.”