A 200-bed long-term care facility will be built in College Heights in partnership with Northern Health and Providence Living, health minister Adrian Dix, anounced Tuesday morning in Prince George.
Ground breaks at 6500 Southridge Avenue in the fall of 2024, with 18 to 24 months earmarked for construction.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George has provided the 16 acres of land where the 200-unit facility will be built and there is expansion potential for the future.
"As people age, they need access to compassionate and dignified care," Dix said. "That's why our government is expanding long-term care throughout the province, including in Prince George. Through our partnership with Providence Living, a new care home is coming to Prince George, which adds more long-term care beds to the community to ensure more seniors can stay in the community they love with the support they need."
This is the first new long-term care facility to be built in Prince George in 15 years.
Providence Living will build and operate the long-term care home in partnership with Northern Health. The first step will be the design phase followed by the procurement phase that will identify contractors for the design and construction. There was no set value offered as it is just being set out for tender but Dix said there is a similar facility built down south for 300 residents that is valued at $286 million.
"Providence will work in close collaboration with Northern Health to bring to life a vision for long-term care that will utilize a world-class living environment alongside a unique style of care that is infused with compassion and tailored to the unique story of each resident," Mark Blandford, Providence Living president and CEO, said. "Our new home will offer private rooms within a community setting where residents can enjoy everyday activities and interactions that respect their individuality and ensure each day is a day well lived."
The main features of the new care home will feature single-bed rooms with private bathrooms in units where a household will see 12 rooms come together with social and recreational spaces found in a typical home, such as shared living and dining rooms, indoor and outdoor spaces for social and leisure activities for residents and family, as well as quiet rooms and private spaces. There will also be amenities for cooking meals on site, and non-denominational space for worship, reflection and spiritual practice, including Indigenous ceremonial practices and a staffing model that supports person-centred care and values seniors in care.
Long-term care homes provide care for people with complex care needs who can no longer live safely and independently at home, and who require 24-hour nursing care through a range of services delivered by well-trained staff.
