Vancouver getting a new long-term care home

A new long-term care home is coming to the Lower Mainland, as the B.C. government is partnering with health providers to build a 240-bed residence.

In a media availability Wednesday, B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix says the partnership with Providence Health Care and the Archdiocese of Vancouver will result in the new care home being built on the former site of St. Vincent’s Hospital at Heather Street and 33rd Avenue in Vancouver.

“It’s going to be a home and a compassionate and lively community for the people who reside there,” Dix said.

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Although the project is in the very initial stages, and the City of Vancouver has yet to rezone the land, the province says construction is expected to start in the fall of 2025. The entire project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2028.

“St. Vincent’s Heather will offer vital long-term care for seniors and wraparound services that will support their happiness and well-being in a home designed to meet their needs. This includes culturally safe living spaces and services for Indigenous Elders, such as a sacred space for smudging ceremonies, with access to traditional medicine gardens for spiritual ceremonies,” Dix said.

The new 13-storey building will also include what the province describes as “households” which will house 12 residents, each in their own single-bedroom, adjoining a common living room, dining room, and activities space. Some residences will also allow couples and families to stay together.

“These spaces and services all make it easier when someone moves into long-term care to make it more inviting, more caring. More like the home you left to come here,” Dix explained.

A conceptual design of St. Vincent’s Heather, a new long-term care facility in Vancouver. (Courtesy Providence Health Care)

The home will also provide things like hairdressing services, dental and primary health care, and a 37-space childcare centre.

Dr. Kenneth J. Tekano, a physician and regional medical director of Long-Term Care and Assisted Living and Supported Housing at Vancouver Coastal Health, says older adults have been “neglected” by the system of care and housing for those who might have neuro-cognitive or complex medical needs.

“I am thrilled that Providence is being supported by the Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health to advance our mission to provide dignified homes and a new approach to caring for seniors with these challenges. I hope this is only the first of many steps forward to a new way for people to live with dementia,” he said.