Long-term care home moves forward in Surrey

Guru Nanak Diversity Village is a result of a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Fraser Health, BC Housing and the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS).

"As Surrey's population rapidly grows, it's important that people can access the health services they need within their community," said Adrian Dix, minister of health. "That's why our government is furthering our partnership with PICS and Fraser Health Authority to build a new long-term care facility. The Guru Nanak Diversity Village is a much-needed long-term care home with 125 beds designed by the community that will offer comfortable and culturally sensitive care for their seniors."

It is expected that construction will be completed and the care community will be open to residents in 2026.

"Seniors are an integral part of our community, and by partnering with PICS, we are helping seniors in Surrey to have access to comprehensive services closer to home," said Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for Seniors Services and Long-Term Care. "B.C. is a diverse province, and everyone deserves to receive quality and culturally sensitive care as they age. Once open, this long-term care home will create a welcoming place where seniors are well-cared for to age with dignity and a sense of belonging."

The PICS LTC home will provide 125 LTC beds. The care community will be designed as neighbourhoods accommodating nine to 24 residents each in single-bed rooms with bathrooms. It will include the social and recreational spaces found in a typical home, such as a living room, dining room, kitchen and outdoor space. The environment will be designed to also support individuals with dementia where friends and family feel welcome.

"Adding this long-term care home will mean people have access to high-quality culturally appropriate care and exceptional homes for beloved family and friends," said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing. "This project will support our elders to age gracefully in their home communities, making these life transitions easier for everyone."

The capital cost of the project is estimated to be $123 million, with $118 million provided by the Province through low-cost construction financing that will be repaid to government, and $5 million contributed by PICS. The new facility will be built, owned and operated by PICS.

To meet growing demand over the past five years, government has invested approximately $3.5 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.

In April 2024, the Province also provided $716,000 to increase PICS Adult Day Program capacity from 138 spaces per week to 300 spaces per week through a partnership with PICS and Fraser Health.

Learn more

To learn more about PICS, visit: https://pics.bc.ca/.

Backgrounders

What people are saying about the new long-term care home.

Mike Starchuk, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale –

"As they age, all seniors deserve to feel confident that should they need additional care and supports, they will be available in their home communities, close to their loved ones. This new LTC home, in partnership with PICS, will make a meaningful difference for seniors living in Surrey."

Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers –

"Surrey is one of the most fast-growing communities in the province with a diverse population, and it's great to see that a new long-term care home is coming in the region. Through this new facility, seniors will be able to get the quality, comprehensive care they need in a home-like environment."

Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton –

"As seniors grow older, it is our responsibility to ensure they get the support they need in a safe and welcoming environment. By working together with Fraser Health and PICS, we are ensuring that seniors get the care they need when they need them most."

Jinny Sims, MLA for Surrey-Panorama –

"In a fast-growing city like Surrey, the increase in our senior population is significant. This new long-term care will support our seniors, providing them with culturally sensitive care, where they can stay connected with loved ones and their community."

Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley –

"Guru Nanak Diversity Village will be a vital addition to our community. Prioritizing the dignity of seniors and offering culturally sensitive care, residents will have their values, traditions and beliefs integrated into their new environment. I'm looking forward to the positive impact this care home will have on our seniors and their loved ones."

Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood –

"Providing more long-term care services here in Surrey will give seniors and their families peace of mind knowing that they can get quality care while remaining close to loved ones. Our government is taking the necessary action to ensure Surrey residents have the support they need for all stages of life."

Garry Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guildford –

"Our community is growing quickly, and with that comes the demand for more services as people age, including long-term care. This new care home will help meet the needs of people as they age for decades to come."

Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO, Fraser Health –

"This new long-term care home embodies our commitment to creating a nurturing, culturally tailored environment where seniors feel truly at home and deeply connected to their community. As Surrey continues to grow and the demand for specialized care increases, this care community represents a crucial step forward in how we care for our elders, ensuring they experience dignity, respect and the comfort of familiar surroundings in a place that welcomes friends and family."

Satbir Singh Cheema, president and CEO, Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society –

"This new long-term care home represents more than just bricks and mortar, it embodies our deep commitment to honouring and nurturing our elders. For many, this will be a place where they can find solace, companionship and a true sense of belonging. PICS Society is profoundly grateful for this opportunity to give back to our community and provide a loving, home-like environment where every resident can feel cherished and valued."