Island Health is building the facilities. Eldercare Foundation will make them feel like home.
There simply aren’t enough long-term care spaces in British Columbia to meet the needs of our growing senior population. That’s why it’s welcome news that Island Health, in partnership with the Province of BC, is developing two new long-term care homes—one in Lantzville and one in Royal Bay located in Colwood. The Lantzville location officially broke ground on September 21, 2026, with Royal Bay expected to follow shortly after.
At the Lantzville site groundbreaking, From left to right: Amanda Maurer, Lead, Process Improvement, Long-Term Care, Island Health; James Hanson, Vice President – Community Clinical Operations and Support Programs, Island Health; Lori Boothby, Executive Director, LTC & Assisted Living Strategy, Operations, & Partnerships, Island Health; Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Health, Province of BC, Tom Arnold, Executive Director, Eldercare Foundation; Derek Haynes, Director, Clinical Services Delivery, Island Health; Emily Pridham, Director, Capacity Development and Planning Island Health; George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville
Slated to open in 2029, the two homes will provide 560 new spaces for older adults, helping more Island seniors receive care closer to friends, family and community.
But here’s something many people don’t realize: while government builds and operates long-term care facilities, many of the things that enrich the daily lives of seniors who live there are only possible through community support, including:
Comfortable gathering spaces where families can visit
Therapy and recreation programs that promote physical, cognitive, and social well-being
Specialized equipment that enhances comfort and quality of life
That’s why Eldercare Foundation has committed $2 million – $1 million for each new home – and is working to raise an additional $1 million to help create welcoming spaces where residents can continue to experience dignity, purpose and connection.
As these exciting projects move forward, we’ll be sharing more about how community generosity will help ensure these aren’t simply places where seniors receive care—but places they can truly call home.
- To learn more about the Nanaimo Lantzville Long-term care home project, visit: https://www.islandhealth.ca/about-us/plans-reports-and-policies/annual-reports/health-priorities-and-community-data/building-health/long-term-care-home-projects