Work is continuing on schedule for the new Powell River complex care replacement project.
Vancouver Coastal Health has recently completed conceptual drawings for the building that will replace Olive Devaud residential care facility, and will be moving to the next phase of project design that includes development of detailed mechanical, electrical and structural drawings.
“With an ever-increasing population of seniors, this new complex care facility adds an important element to the continuum of services here in the community,” said Powell River Regional Hospital District spokesperson and chair Colin Palmer.
The proposed $23.46 million facility will be constructed on the grounds of Powell River General Hospital. Due to its close proximity to the hospital, the new facility will result in efficiencies through the sharing of functions such as housekeeping, laundry, nutritional services and facilities maintenance.
The new facility will include:
• Six houses, each containing 17 single-occupant rooms with a ceiling lift in each room.
• Shared living spaces for clients.
• An adult day program.
• Additional space for future expansion, from 81 beds up to 102 beds, as demand dictates.
• A tunnel that connects the new facility to the hospital.
“We’re proud of this proposed investment in the Powell River community and look forward to the impact it will have on those who need this level of care,” said Wendy Hansson, Vancouver Coastal Health chief operating officer. “We look forward to other opportunities to expand on our rural/urban model of health care delivery within the Coastal Community of Care.”
Preliminary site preparation and geotechnical testing began at the end of June. Completion of the new facility is slated for early 2015.
