Partners in Powell River’s Willingdon Creek Village Complex Care project dig in and get the project started on Sept. 11. Representatives of the four partner agencies on hand included (l to r) Colin Palmer, Chair, Powell River Regional District; Kip Woodward, Chair, VCH; David Formosa, Mayor, City of Powell River; and, Lorraine Hansen, President, Powell River Health Care Auxiliary.

New residential care project breaks ground in Powell River

Ground was officially broken yesterday on the Willingdon Creek Village complex care facility in Powell River, a $26.5 million project that will replace the aging Olive Devaud Residence in early 2015.

The new facility will feature an updated, modern design and offer a number of efficiencies due to its proximity to Powell River General Hospital. While the number of beds in operation will initially remain at 81, Willingdon Creek Village will be constructed to accommodate an additional 21 beds.

A significant number of Powell River staff from a wide variety of disciplines have played a key role in working with the Project Design Team. Their input has shaped a number of design decisions and will ultimately result in a facility that is more comfortable and safe for patients as well as staff.

Acting Powell River director Lu Wuthrich adds that the community’s commitment to improving health care in their region was critical to bringing the project to fruition. “After years of discussion and planning, it’s really rewarding to finally break ground on this project. This much-needed facility would not have been possible without the community’s immense support and our partnership with the Regional Hospital District.”

The RHD will own the new building and the land and is financing the construction of the building, while VCH will operate the residential care home under a 20-year lease agreement with the RHD.“Through Willingdon Creek Village, the legacy of caring for our aging citizens in the Powell River region as well as the vision of Nurse Olive Devaud and the Powell River Sunset Homes Society will continue,” says Colin Palmer, chair of the Powell RiverRegional Hospital District Board.

Willingdon Creek Village has also received $877,000 for the purchase of furniture, appliances and other necessary equipment from the Powell River Health Care Auxiliary.

“We’re proud this donation is the largest single donation to patient care and comfort from our organization. We’d like to thank all of our wonderful organization members who have given thousands of volunteer hours to make this possible, as well as the generosity of Powell River residents.”