Construction On Campbell River Long Term Care Home Will Soon Begin

We are nearing the start of construction on a new long-term care home near Campbell River Hospital.

The project was first announced in July of last year with, at that time, officials saying construction would last two years, starting in 2025.

“People in Campbell River and around B.C. deserve good health care at every stage of life, and that’s why improving high-quality long-term care is a top priority for our government,” said Premier David Eby.

“This new long-term care facility will be a vibrant new home for seniors on Vancouver Island. Seniors deserve to age with dignity and receive the care they need in the community they know and love.”

A sign to mark the beginning of construction has gone up outside 375 Second Avenue, on the west side of the hospital.

The new three-storey long-term care facility will bring a total of 153 long-term care beds to the region, including a 10-bed hospice unit, a 26-bed convalescent care unit and a 26-bed specialized population unit.

The care home will have two main buildings, each containing “households” accommodating 12 to 13 residents in single bedrooms with bathrooms, including one larger room to accommodate bariatric residents or those with special equipment needs.

It will also have the social and recreational spaces found in a typical home, such as a living room, dining room, activity space and access to the outdoors.

North Island MLA Michele Babchuk had previously stated the range of services in the new care home will give seniors, and their loved ones, peace of mind knowing they will be supported with the health care they need, close to home.

The specialized unit will support individuals requiring long-term care but would benefit from specialized services to meet their needs.

Examples are a younger adult population, or those experiencing challenges related to traumatic brain injury, mental-health or substance-use issues.

The convalescent unit will provide short-stay enhanced rehabilitation support for seniors who would benefit from a period of rehabilitation before returning to their own homes.

There will also be a hairdressing salon, space for activities and special events, as well as space for an adult day program that will enable people to live independently in the community, while receiving services to support their well-being and health.

A stand-alone daycare facility will also be built with capacity for 37 children.

Funding for the $134-million dollar project will go through Island Health, with more than $50 million coming from the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District.

The facility will be built, owned and operated by Island Health.

For more information on the project, visit Government of British Columbia.