Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix (centre) paid a visit to Chilliwack Monday, accompanied by Chilliwack MLAs Kelli Paddon and Dan Coulter (right), to announce a forthcoming $274 million, 200-bed long-term care facility in Chilliwack. The facility could be completed by 2029 in the 9000 block of Mary Street.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

New long-term care facility

New long-term care facility coming to Chilliwack at a projected cost of $274 million

Aug 19, 2024 | 1:40 PM

CHILLIWACK — The B.C. government announced Monday (Aug. 19) it will help fund a new $274 million, 200-bed long-term care facility on Mary Street near Chilliwack General Hospital.

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix paid a visit to Chilliwack to herald the advent of the new facility, saying Fraser Health will commence construction in two years with a completion date by some point in 2029.

The facility will be a five-storey building and replace the 90-bed Bradley Centre, which took two years to build starting in 1971, before opening in 1973 at Chilliwack General Hospital.

“The redevelopment of the Bradley Centre, which will add 110 new beds and replace 90 existing beds, demonstrates our government’s commitment to improving care for seniors in B.C.,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “By investing in building more long-term care homes and improving the quality of existing facilities, we’re securing a future where older adults can age with dignity in their community.”

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / The location of the future 200-bed long-term care facility that will be built, owned and operated by Fraser Health. Completion is estimated by 2029.

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Minister Dix claimed the B.C. NDP government is spending 17 times on this long-term project what the previous B.C. United government spent in 10 years in the entire province, a point he made several times during Monday’s funding announcement.

The new long-term care home will be designed as households, each accommodating 12 to 13 residents, with every resident having a private single-bed room and bathroom. It will feature social and recreational spaces typical of a home, such as living rooms, dining rooms, activity areas and access to outdoor spaces.

The government says this innovative care-home model incorporates lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring designs that enhance infection control. It will serve a diverse population, embed a culturally sensitive approach and design, and will include community spaces and services for residents, families, visitors and staff, such as art and activity rooms, a hair salon and a sacred space.

The long-term care home will also house a 32-space adult day program designed to support older adults living independently at home. This program will provide social connection, engaging activities, exercise and health checks for seniors facing health challenges, ensuring they can maintain their independence, while receiving essential services to support their health and well-being.

The capital cost of the project will be shared between the province and Fraser Vallery Regional Hospital District, and is presently estimated to be $274 million, although it’s not surprising when government projects often exceed their initial budget as evidenced by the cost overruns at Richmond Hospital; its capital expansion was originally projected to cost $861 million at one point but will now cost $1.959 billion.

The care home will be built, owned and operated by Fraser Health, the province said. Government approved the business plan in July 2024. The project will soon move into the procurement phase, with construction expected to commence in 2026.

Chilliwack resident Ruth Haggerty spoke at Monday’s news conference about her experience of having a loved one at the Bradley Centre, underscoring the importance of Monday’s commitment by the government to fund these types of projects.

“The Bradley Centre long-term care home has been invaluable for my family, providing exceptional care and peace of mind knowing my mother is well cared for,” Haggerty said. “The new facility will further enhance residents’ quality of life with more privacy, green spaces and quiet rooms for meaningful family conversations. This expansion means more families in our community will have access to the same level of care, easing the concerns we all face as we support our aging loved ones.”

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Chilliwack resident Ruth Haggerty speaks at Monday’s news conference at the Bradley Centre at Chilliwack General Hospital.

The province says long-term care homes function by offering care for people with complex-care needs who can no longer live safely and independently at home, and who require 24-hour supervision for a range of services delivered by well-trained and caring staff.

To meet growing demand over the past five years, the B.C. government claims it has invested approximately $2 billion to expand and improve quality care for seniors in British Columbia, including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care and assisted living.