Coastal newest residential care facility opens with local fanfare

Local elected officials, residents and families members all celebrated at the grand opening of Powell River’s Willingdon Creek Village complex care facility last week. The event was the culmination of years of hopes and dreams for a number of local residents, some of whom had been suggesting the need for a newer, larger facility for close to a decade.

The $26.5 million facility replaces the aging Olive Devaud Residence, and has added an extra 21 beds of capacity to the community. The 102-bed facility is organized into six different houses, each with 17 beds, and features an updated, modern design and offer a number of efficiencies due to its proximity to Powell River General Hospital.

The Powell River Regional Hospital District owns the new building and the land and financed the construction of the building, while VCH will operate the residential care home under a 20-year lease agreement with the RHD.

The Powell River Health Care Auxiliary contributed $877,000 for the purchase of furniture, appliances and other necessary equipment towards Willingdon Creek Village.

Willingdon Creek Village residents celebrated the grand opening of the facility in style, with barbecued hamburgers and cake.