Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has been selected by Island Health as the prime consultant leading architecture, engineering, and sustainable design services for three new long-term care (LTC) homes. Located in Colwood, Nanaimo/Lantzville, and Campbell River, British Columbia, the new LTCs will provide more than 750 long-term care beds and bring more timely and accessible care to Vancouver Island residents.

The British Columbia government has committed approximately C$2 billion to expand and improve quality care for seniors in BC, including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care, and assisted living.

“The growing need for extended care is a priority for the province, and this collection of long-term care homes will make a genuine difference for patients and caregivers, as well as their care experience,” said Stefan Schulson, principal architect for Stantec. “We are proud to be creating a sense of home and community for residents and their families for years to come.” 

The functional design elements will be consistent at all three sites; however, each building design will respond to the unique site conditions, locations, and environments within each long-term care home. A safe, fully accessible, homelike environment will support person-centered care.

Local First Nations and other project partners are being actively engaged throughout the design process to develop building elements that embody the values of each community.

Providing comfort, care, and independence The new LTC homes will bring 765 new beds to the region with each care home offering a hospice unit, childcare spaces, and a special population unit for younger adults who require long-term care. Adult day programs will provide well-being and health services for seniors or those experiencing challenges related to a traumatic brain injury, mental health, or substance use issues. Residents can also access hairdressing salons, activity and special event spaces, therapy services, and bistros to promote independent living opportunities.

Designing care for all ages Long-term care homes provide residence 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 and caring staff. Stantec has extensive experience leading patient-first design for health centres and long-term care facilities including Calgary’s Arthur J.E. child Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Williams Lake First Nations Wellness Centre (All Nations Healing House), providing full-scope design and construction administration services for culturally safe, team-based care. Learn more about Stantec’s comprehensive health design work.