June 24, 2008

Progress report: construction of new seniors care facility for Prince Rupert continues

Construction crews are making significant progress on Prince Rupert’s new $20 million residential care and assisted living facility for seniors. The structure is now complete, and will be fully enclosed by the end of June.

“We are committed to seeing a new facility to meet the needs of seniors living in the Prince Rupert area,” said Health Services Minister George Abbott. “All across British Columbia we are seeing additional facilities come online as well as expanding and modernizing existing facilities.”

Crews recently completed construction of the roof membrane and installation of windows on the 50,000 square foot building. The focus will now shift to the interior of the building with plumbing, electrical, dry walling and other finishing work. Crews will also demolish a small, vacant building on the property and begin landscaping around the facility.

The BC Government, through Northern Health, and the North West Regional Hospital District are funding the project. The City of Prince Rupert provided land adjacent to the current Acropolis site for the new facility. The new facility will replace intermediate care space with new replacement beds that meet up-to-date standards for residential care. It will also offer new assisted living apartments for seniors who need specialized housing and health supports to stay independent.

The funding distribution for the project is as follows:

• Government of British Columbia: $15.2 million;
• North West Regional Hospital District: $4.8 million; and
• The City of Prince Rupert: support through the sale of the land needed for the project for $1 and permit fee waivers.

Site preparation for the larger footprint of the building started in early 2007; construction officially began after a sod-turning ceremony in July 2007. Though winter storms caused minor construction delays, the project will get back on schedule with improved spring and summer weather. Construction is scheduled to be finished late this year, with the facility ready for occupancy in February 2009.

When construction is complete, the new facility will provide a total of 61 new replacement residential care beds and 15 new assisted living units along with a new adult day centre for seniors. Northern Health will own and operate the building and fund its services.

“It is exciting to see this important facility taking shape in our community”, said Northwest Regional Hospital District chair Tony Briglio. “This facility will substantially improve care services for seniors in Prince Rupert, Port Edward and our outlying Villages, providing seniors with the supports they need and deserve as they age.”

The new care facility in Prince Rupert will bring together:

• 15 assisted living units, helping seniors who can live independently in new specialized apartment-style units and on-going health and support services;
• 56 residential care beds for seniors who can’t live independently any longer. This would combine all of the current beds at Acropolis Manor as well as the beds on the PRRH fourth floor extended care unit for seniors, providing better space and equipment for around-the-clock care;
• Three dedicated respite beds for seniors who don’t need a hospital bed, but require some short-term convalescent care or a respite for their family caregivers;
• Two dedicated palliative care beds for end-of-life care;
• An expanded adult day centre for Prince Rupert, providing seniors who live in their own homes with on-going care and recreation services.

“This new care facility will greatly enhance the range of services we provide to seniors in the Prince Rupert area,” said Northern Health board chair Dr. Charles Jago. “It’s exciting to see progress being made on a project made possible by the support of funding agencies across the region.”

British Columbia's health system will benefit from investments such as this one over the next three years as part of the $2.7-billion health sector capital plan.

The new and additional beds in Prince Rupert are part of government’s commitment to build 5,000 net-new beds and units by the end of 2008. To date, 10,135 new and replacement beds and units have been built across British Columbia, including more than 4,500 net-new beds and units as part of the commitment to build 5,000 net new beds and units by the end of 2008. 

Media contacts:

Sonya Kruger, NH Communications Officer: (250) 565-2130

Tony Briglio, North West Regional Hospital District: (250) 627-9224