Construction begins on new long-term care village in Prince George

Construction has begun on a new non-profit long-term care village set to open in early 2028, Health Minister Josie Osborne announced Friday, May 23 at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George.

The new facility will be developed through a partnership between Northern Health and Providence Living, which have signed an agreement to lead the project.

The village will add 200 long-term care beds for seniors, an eight-bed geriatric psychiatry unit, and 37 licensed community child-care spaces designed to foster intergenerational connections.

In addition, a 30-person adult day program will offer services to support seniors living in the community, promoting social interaction and reducing isolation.

The design includes 16 close-knit “households,” each accommodating 12 residents. These households will feature private suites with ensuite bathrooms, shared kitchens and gathering spaces to enhance the sense of community.

Planned amenities include a community hall, recreation areas, a bistro, a grocery store, an art studio and outdoor therapeutic environments.

During her remarks at the announcement, Osborne emphasized the project’s local benefits.

“It will bring more than 275 full-time health-care jobs to Prince George,” she said. “That will support the local economy, along with about 65 full-time construction jobs during the three-year build. That’s always welcome news for the community.”

She said the project reflects the province’s commitment to improving care for older adults across British Columbia.

“Having 200 new beds in the region ensures seniors in Prince George can access high-quality care close to home,” Osborne said. “This lets people age with dignity and comfort, near their families and loved ones.”

Osborne credited the project’s success to the collaboration between partner organizations. Northern Health will provide operational funding, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George is providing the land, and the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation is also contributing.

Mark Blandford, president and CEO of Providence Living, also addressed the crowd, saying the new facility will mark a shift in how long-term care is delivered in the region.

“We are moving away from traditional models of care,” he said. “We're embracing what we call a social-relational model, giving seniors an environment where they can thrive and make choices. They can decide when to get up, what to eat, and use technology to move freely around the facility.”

Northern BC's senior population is expected to grow by 26 per cent over the next decade. Osborne said the facility will help address long-standing barriers to care in the region.

“This will serve as a model for long-term care facilities across the province,” she said. “It offers not only a better experience for residents but also a meaningful workplace for staff. I think there’ll be no shortage of people who want to work here.”

Speaking with The Citizen, Osborne underscored the importance of partnerships in making the project a reality.

“There’s a clear need for more long-term care in northern communities, including Prince George,” she said. “This innovative partnership between Northern Health, Providence Living and the diocese shows what’s possible when we work together.”

She also spoke personally about the challenges faced by small communities without care facilities.

“My hometown has just 2,000 people and no long-term care facility,” said Osborne. “I’ve watched elders leave for Port Alberni or elsewhere, and we miss them terribly. Being able to age in your own community makes for a stronger, more vibrant place.”

Osborne said the province will continue investing in long-term care, including new projects planned in Smithers and Quesnel.