Door access controls for entry and exit at Columbia View Lodge are being replaced to ensure continued compliance with current standards and fire codes. The security upgrades will improve safety measures for those living at the residential care facility.

The project is a routine capital investment, and the total project cost of $150,000 will be funded by the government of British Columbia. The security upgrades are planned to be completed by June 2013.

This project is part of the $207 million in new capital investment announced by Premier Christy Clark at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria. While these are new projects, this capital investment is not new money. It is money the government saved from the capital plan, through fiscal prudence.

Since 2001, more than $7 billion has been spent on health-capital projects in British Columbia.

Quotes:

Minister of Health, Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid -

"The safety of our vulnerable residents in care facilities is always our highest priority. Ensuring our facilities exist to help and protect is our utmost concern. To provide the best care and services, these facilities need regular maintenance and upgrading."

Interior Health Authority president and CEO, Dr. Robert Halpenny -

"We are committed to proactive maintenance and upgrading of our facilities and that includes attention to the safety of our residential care residents. This new system ensures continued staff and resident safety and aligns with the latest code requirements."

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations, Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Karl Hardt
Interior Health Communications
250 364-3468