Province supports Baptist Housing buying Inglewood Care Centre
The Province is partnering with Baptist Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health on a proposal to redevelop Inglewood Care Centre, which is aging and in need of extensive renovations.
On Feb. 3, Baptist Housing, a non-profit provider, took over operations of the 230-unit care centre located at 725 Inglewood Ave. It is working with residents and Vancouver Coastal Health to improve day-to-day management of the building and the quality of services.
BC Housing, through the HousingHub, provided financing of approximately $114 million to Baptist Housing to purchase the care centre and three adjacent lots. Baptist Housing provided an additional $14.5 million of its own equity toward the purchase.
In the coming months, project partners will work with the District of West Vancouver on rezoning and permit applications. This redevelopment would replace the existing 230 beds, with the potential of adding more beds in the future. Existing residents would not be displaced as a result of this project.
In addition to the proposed redevelopment, Baptist Housing will explore additional opportunities to expand housing and care services on the property. Once a proposal is ready, partners will ask the public for input.
Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus, and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.
Quotes:
Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing –
“We are thrilled to partner with Baptist Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health to help seniors stay in the community where they have connections. I’m also looking forward to seeing how we can bring more affordable housing options onto this site, so that more seniors in West Vancouver can have a home close to friends and family.”
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health --
“Our government is committed to improving care for seniors. We’ve invested in the Inglewood Care Centre to raise the standard of care to the level that seniors deserve. I’m pleased about this partnership moving forward so that this site can continue to support seniors to age with dignity.”
Howard Johnson, Baptist Housing –
“As a non-profit, our focus is always on people and service instead of profit, and that allows us to bring a unique approach to this exciting project. We want to do more than just run the community the same way it's always been run. We’re blessed to be given the opportunity to serve in West Vancouver, and we want to make sure Inglewood, its residents and our team are part of the community. We’ll do our utmost to ensure this campus of care reaches its full potential for the benefit of everyone.”
Mary-Ann Booth, mayor, West Vancouver –
“Providing housing and support for our seniors as they age and their needs change is a priority for West Vancouver council. Baptist Housing has demonstrated an excellent standard of care in many B.C. communities, and we look forward to working with them here to meet these critical community needs.”
Mary Ackenhusen, president and CEO, Vancouver Coastal Health –
“Vancouver Coastal Health welcomes Baptist Housing as a new long-term care partner to ensure seniors on the North Shore have the quality, supportive care they need.”