People living in Chilliwack will soon benefit from enhanced long-term care as Fraser Health prepares to build a new 200-bed care home near Chilliwack General Hospital.
“The redevelopment of the Bradley Centre, which will add 110 new beds and replace 90 existing beds, demonstrates our government’s commitment to improving care for seniors in B.C.,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “By investing in building more long-term care homes and improving the quality of existing facilities, we’re securing a future where older adults can age with dignity in their community.”
Fraser Health will construct a five-storey long-term care home at the 9000 block of Mary Street. The building will replace the 90-bed Bradley Centre, which opened in 1973 at Chilliwack General Hospital.
The new long-term care home will be designed as households, each accommodating 12 to 13 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 innovative care-home model incorporates lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring designs that enhance infection control. It will serve a diverse population, embed a culturally sensitive approach and design, and will include community spaces and services for residents, families, visitors and staff, such as art and activity rooms, a hair salon and a sacred space.
The long-term care home will also house a 32-space adult day program designed to support older adults living independently at home. This 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.
The capital cost of the project will be shared between the Province and Fraser Vallery Regional Hospital District, and is estimated to be $274 million. The care home will be built, owned and operated by Fraser Health. Government approved the business plan in July 2024. The project will move into the procurement phase, with construction expected to commence in 2026 and complete in 2029.
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 and caring staff.
To meet growing demand over the past five years, government has invested approximately $2 billion to expand and improve quality care for seniors in British Columbia, including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care and assisted living.
Backgrounders
What people are saying about the new beds
Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care –
“Long-term care homes are a place where seniors can live with comfort and dignity and a place they can call home. That is why our government continues to work to create more long-term spaces where seniors can get the care and supports they need. This new home adds more beds and increase privacy for residents, while adding social spaces and activities that promote well-being and a sense of community.”
Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack –
“It’s such fantastic news that Chilliwack will have a bigger and improved long-term care home, thanks to our government’s investment. The new, publicly funded care home will be able to better support our seniors so they can age in care close to their family and loved ones. It will more than double the number of beds of the previous care home and will offer more care options for people in the community.”
Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent –
“This new long-term care home will make a meaningful difference for seniors living in Chilliwack and the surrounding areas. It will not only support seniors to live in a community setting while receiving high-quality care, but it will also offer seniors living at home another option to receive care through the adult day program, which will benefit caregivers as well.”
Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO, Fraser Health –
“We are pleased to be opening this new long-term care community in Chilliwack, an example of our commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors. Here, residents will thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment, staying active and engaged in a place they can call home. Our dedicated teams are excited to welcome everyone to these modern, comfortable households, where they are equipped with the best tools to deliver exceptional care every day.”
Sylvia Pranger, chair, Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District (FVRHD) –
“Providing additional long-term care beds in Chilliwack has been a top priority of the FVRHD for many years. It is inspiring to see a project that will benefit so many move forward. This project also shows the necessity of valuable partnerships with Fraser Health and the Province.”
Ruth Haggerty, family member of Bradley Centre resident –
“The Bradley Centre long-term care home has been invaluable for my family, providing exceptional care and peace of mind knowing my mother is well cared for. The new facility will further enhance residents’ quality of life with more privacy, green spaces and quiet rooms for meaningful family conversations. This expansion means more families in our community will have access to the same level of care, easing the concerns we all face as we support our aging loved ones.”
