Powell River’s new residential complex care facility is one step closer to being built.
Powell River Regional Hospital District (RHD) and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) have awarded the contract to construct Willingdon Creek Village to Lark Group of Surrey, BC. The $26.5-million project is expected to break ground by the end of June and to be completed in early 2015.
Lark Group was awarded the contract based on its competitive bid, according to a joint statement from VCH and RHD. VCH also has a sound business familiarity with Lark Group after working with them on other successful projects.
“The Willingdon Creek Village complex care facility will have a major positive impact on the community of Powell River, particularly for those people requiring residential care,” said Colin Palmer, RHD chair.
Willingdon Creek Village will replace the existing 81-bed Olive Devaud Residence. The new facility will be located on the grounds of Powell River General Hospital and will accommodate 102 beds in six separate houses. A tunnel will connect the facility to the hospital, leading to efficiencies in housekeeping, laundry, nutritional services and facilities maintenance.
“Willingdon Creek Village represents all the hard work and contributions of the community, and their incredible commitment to improving health care in their region,” said Lu Wuthrich, VCH’s acting director in Powell River.
VCH will operate the residential care facility under a 20-year lease agreement with the RHD. Willingdon Creek Village has also received a financial boost from Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary, which donated $877,000 toward the purchase of furniture, appliances and other necessary equipment.
According to the statement, there were no local Powell River contractors in the competition. “There was no one qualified for that project locally,” Palmer said. “I was assured that they would do their best to make sure as many local contractors as possible got work.”
Palmer advised local contractors to phone VCH and find out how to contact the Lark Group. “They should make sure they get themselves known and on a list,” he said.
