People living with significant health challenges from acquired brain injuries will soon benefit from improved care and rehabilitation focused supports with the opening of a new 26-bed supportive living home in Central Saanich.

“Many people with serious brain injuries require specialized care and services that meet their unique needs,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By expanding access to supportive living homes, we are ensuring people can receive the right care in the right environment. The services and resources available will help people regain their independence, while providing them with the necessary supports and care to live well in the community.”

Connect Saanich Peninsula is operated by Connect Communities in partnership with Island Health. It will provide comprehensive rehabilitation-focused therapy and care. The supportive living home has 13 short-term beds for people transitioning to more independent living and 13 long-term beds for those requiring ongoing support.

“The SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) Nation is honoured to be a partner in this important new health-care program, which will support members of our Nation, other W̱SÁNEĆ communities and south-Island residents living with brain injuries to walk the path of treatment, recovery and long-term wellness,” said Mavis Underwood, a SȾÁUTW̱ Elder. “The opportunity to push aside fear and helplessness in the face of brain injury will help individuals struggling to heal, and will encourage their families to believe that the best hope rests with early support, encouragement and good people.”

The comprehensive program at Connect Saanich Peninsula delivers a holistic approach to recovery with its Life Redesign Model of care. This unique model empowers individuals to set their own goals and shape their future, while benefiting from a range of therapeutic services. This includes occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy and support from social workers and psychologists.

People living at Connect will receive personal care, medication management, life-skills training and opportunities to participate in cultural and social activities delivered in a home-like setting designed to promote healing.

"In my opinion, this program will greatly serve to create community and belonging, as well as dependability, consistency and calm to life and for those supported,” said Dean, a client of the Island Health brain-injury program.

A second Connect Communities supportive living home is under construction in Parksville. It is expected to open in 2026. Connect Parksville will further expand access to specialized brain injury services for people on Vancouver Island.

These new supportive living homes will improve brain-injury care by enhancing rehabilitation outcomes and giving people the opportunity to heal in a supportive environment. These services are part of the Province’s commitment to build up an entire continuum of care for mental-health support.

Learn More:

For more information about Connect Parksville, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0007-000110

A backgrounder follows.