People in Nelson and nearby communities now have improved access to care with the opening of the Nelson community health campus.

“This new health campus is a powerful example of how investing in infrastructure strengthens communities,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “By bringing modern, culturally inclusive health-care facilities to Nelson, we’re not only improving access to care for people of all ages, we’re also creating good local jobs and supporting the long-term well-being of the region.”

Located on the old Mount St. Francis hospital site, the Nelson community health campus features a new building with two towers designed to better serve residents:

• Fairview Gardens, a 75-bed long-term care home, and
• the Community Health Services Centre, which provides a wide range of community-based health services.

“The Nelson community health campus brings together long-term care, community programs and culturally safe services in one welcoming space, making it easier for people to get the supports they need,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This facility helps to ensure people in Nelson and the surrounding region have care they can count on, in a place rooted in connection and community.”

Nelson Fairview Gardens features a modern, resident-centred design with private rooms, cosy “neighbourhoods” named after local trees, and safe outdoor spaces where residents can feel comfortable and cared for.

“In bringing community programs and long-term care together under one roof, Interior Health is enhancing person-centred care and strengthening connections between health services, the community and our dedicated care teams,” said Sylvia Weir, interim president and CEO, Interior Health. “This new modern campus is a vital asset that supports the important work our health-care teams provide to clients, seniors, Elders and the broader community in Nelson and area.”

The Community Health Services Centre provides a wide range of community-based health services, all within a modern, welcoming facility. Services such as public health, home care, early childhood development and mental-health support are now in one convenient location, making it easier for people to get the care they need.

“The opening of these 75 beds will mean a safe place to live much sooner for frail seniors living at risk in the community, and much-needed decongestion of our hospital and emergency department,” said Dr. Trevor Janz, medical director for long-term care, Interior Health East. “Our geriatric/palliative care team of doctors are already working with the nursing team and care staff to ensure a high standard of medical and comfort care for all our new residents, to promote their best possible quality of life.”

With guidance from the Kootenay Boundary Aboriginal Services Society Collaborative, the campus features Indigenous language, artwork, welcome wall and signage from the Ktunaxa, syilx, Métis and Inuit, to support cultural safety and inclusion for all care seekers and to honour the territory on which the facility is located. The entire campus is designed to support collaborative, high-quality, culturally safer care for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The campus, at 902 11th St., opened in phases, with the Community Health Services Centre officially opening on Aug. 12, 2025, and Fairview Gardens scheduled to open in September 2025.

This project was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, Interior Health, West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District, Columbia Basin Trust and Golden Life Management. Interior Health will lease and operate the facility.

The estimated capital cost to make the building operational for health-care services is approximately $20.6 million, including $4.8 million from the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District.

Quotes:

Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central –

“The opening of the Nelson community health campus is a milestone for our community. This centre brings essential health services closer to home, ensuring people of all ages in Nelson and surrounding areas receive the care they need in a welcoming and modern environment. It’s a true investment in the health and future of our community. I am grateful to the community members who were the trailblazers on this project.”

Susie Chant, parliamentary secretary for seniors’ services and long-term care –

“Every senior deserves to live in comfort, dignity and safety, surrounded by care they can trust. Nelson Fairview Gardens will provide a home-like setting with private rooms, welcoming spaces and dedicated staff who are committed to supporting residents’ health and quality of life.”

Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health –

“For people in rural and smaller communities, accessing care can often mean long travel or difficult choices. This new health campus helps change that. By bringing a wide range of services together, we’re making sure people in Nelson and nearby areas have the care they need, close to home.”

Everett Baker, board chair, West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District –

“The Nelson community health campus is an important investment in essential medical infrastructure that will bring lasting benefits to our residents. This project reflects the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District’s commitment to using resources to address critical community needs, while supporting the health, safety and well-being of our community.”

Endre Lillejord, CEO, Golden Life Management –

“Golden Life is proud to have designed and built this landmark health campus for the people of Nelson. We know from experience that thoughtful design is not just about bricks and mortar, it directly shapes dignity, safety and quality of life for residents and families. From the private rooms and neighbourhood-style living at Fairview Gardens to the welcoming spaces in the Community Health Services Centre, every detail was created to foster comfort, connection and care.”

Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust –

“The Nelson community health campus shows what’s possible when we work together to strengthen communities. It not only gives residents better access to care close to home, it also creates good local jobs and supports the regional economy. The trust is proud to have helped bring this project to life, supporting both the health and prosperity of the basin.”

Learn More:

To read the funding announcement for this project, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0166-001119

To learn more about Interior Health, visit: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/

To learn more about the Kootenay Boundary Aboriginal Services Society Collaborative, visit:  http://www.kbasc.org/