The replacement and expansion of Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home in Cranbrook is another step closer to construction with the selection of Zeidler Architecture for architectural and engineering services and Bird Construction as the construction manager for the project.
“Long-term care facilities are a place for seniors and others to not only receive care, but also call home,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “That’s why we’re working to expand long-term care homes and access throughout the province, including the Cranbrook area. This is an important step in securing a future for those who live in long-term care facilities to continue receiving quality care that they need, near their loved ones, in a building that is designed to meet their needs.”
“With the replacement and expansion of Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home, we will have a new, modern care community for our staff and seniors,” said Sylvia Weir, chief financial officer and vice president, corporate services of Interior Health. “Awarding these contracts is an important step in this project that will be increasing access to the range of services seniors in the East Kootenay need.”
The redevelopment of Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home will replace the existing 60 long-term care beds and add 88 new beds for a total of 148 beds on the same site. The new care home will be designed as households accommodating 12 to 18 residents. Each resident will have a single-bed room with a dedicated washroom. Each household will have dining and living space and provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. The new building design takes lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic into account with features reflecting best-practice infection prevention and control standards.
“We are taking the critical step to expand the number of long-term care beds and provide people in the region with better access to the help they need,” said Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services. “The replacement and expansion project in the Cranbrook region will ensure people, especially seniors can receive the care they need as they age, close to their loved ones and community.”
Construction is expected to begin next year in Spring 2025, with Phase 1 of the facility anticipated to open in 2027 and an anticipated completion date for the facility in 2029. The work will be conducted in stages to minimize disruption to residents and staff.
"We recognize the significant impact this project will make in the lives of seniors in our region and are excited to see the construction of this long-awaited facility one step closer to reality with the awarding of these contracts," said Kootenay East Regional Hospital District chair David Wilks.
The capital cost of the previously announced project is $156.5 million to be funded jointly between the Province through Interior Health and the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District. The care community will be constructed, owned, and operated by Interior Health.
