Seniors in Smithers will have greater access to care closer to home with the approval of a new long-term care home, which will bring 160 new publicly funded beds to the community.

“The investment in the new long-term care homes in Smithers represents our government’s ongoing commitment to improving access to high-quality, compassionate care for seniors in British Columbia,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This action represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for long-term care and our government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen health care in rural and remote communities.”

In addition to the new beds, the home will replace 56 beds at Bulkley Valley Lodge, for a total of 216 beds. The new home will be built and operated by Providence Living in partnership with Northern Health under a project development agreement. It will be located on land provided by the Town of Smithers. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2028, with the home expected to be open for residents in 2030.

“This new long-term care home in Smithers will provide our seniors with high-quality, compassionate care that supports both them and their families,” said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine. “Many, many people have worked for this important day, and the addition of these beds means more people will be able to age in the community they call home, close to their loved ones.”

The new home will be designed as households, each accommodating 12 residents, with every resident having a private single-bed room and bathroom. It will include social and recreational spaces typical of a home, such as living rooms, dining rooms, activity areas and access to outdoor spaces.

“This new long-term care home in Smithers will provide seniors in the region with the quality care and support they need to age in dignity,” said Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Services and Long-Term Care. “This home will also provide an adult day program, helping seniors to age in their own home while being socially and physically active, which is important for healthy aging.”

The long-term care home will also offer a 32-space adult day program designed to support older adults living independently at home. The program will provide social connection, engaging activities, exercise and health checks for seniors facing health challenges, ensuring they can maintain their independence while receiving essential services to support their health and well-being.

“This new and improved long-term care home will make a meaningful difference for seniors living in Smithers and the region,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “By investing in new long-term care homes across the province, we’re reaffirming our commitment to meeting the needs of individuals in rural and remote areas.”

Long-term care homes provide care for people with complex-care needs who can no longer live safely and independently at home, and who require 24-hour supervision for a range of services delivered by well-trained staff.

To meet growing demand, government has invested approximately $3.5 billion since 2018-19 to expand and improve quality care for seniors in British Columbia, including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care and assisted living.

Quotes:

Colleen Nyce, board chair, Northern Health Authority –  

“Long-term care is an incredibly important aspect of what we do as a health authority, and this agreement with Providence Living will go a long way to ensuring that seniors in the North can age with dignity close to home. I am grateful for everyone who has been involved in bringing this partnership to life and for our dedicated staff across the North for their commitment to providing the best care possible to seniors in our communities.”

Mark Blandford, president and CEO, Providence Living –  

“In collaboration with Northern Health, Providence Living’s latest project in Smithers is set to redefine what it means to live in long-term care. We are building a community that recognizes seniors as individuals with unique needs and interests, and provides them with opportunities for choice, spontaneity, social connections and day-to-day activities that give their lives joy and purpose.” 

Quick Facts:

• The population of seniors 65 and older in B.C. has grown from 18.1% in 2018 to 19.8% in 2024.
• In 2024, there are more than 2.2 million people living in B.C. who are 50 or older, making up 38.2% of the population.
• While frailty increases with age, it is not caused by it and is preventable.