The B.C. NDP has announced plans to help develop a new seniors care facility on the now-vacant, 3.9-acre lot where Oak Bay Lodge once stood.
"People in the community want to see the existing site put to good use," said the party in a news release. "A re-elected B.C. NDP government will work with Island Health to quickly determine the best option to offer health care support for seniors, starting with primary care, and will then work with the health authority and community to explore long-term care and assisted living options."
MLA candidates Diana Gibson (Oak Bay-Gordon Head) and Grace Lore (Victoria-Beacon Hill) made the announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 9 next to the lot at 2251 Cadboro Bay Rd. in Oak Bay.
Crews levelled the Oak Bay Lodge, which provided care for hundreds of seniors, in 2022, after the Capital Regional District (CRD) deemed the 50-year-old, 235-bed facility past its useful life.
"I'm happy to be here making this announcement because I've heard from people at doors and out in the community how much it matters to have something done with the Oak Bay Lodge site," said Gibson. "I've also heard from so many that want to see seniors care ... in our community."
In 2021, the Capital Regional Hospital District – a CRD body that partners with Island Health and community agencies to develop and improve health-care facilities in the region – carried out two rounds of community consultation about the future use of the Oak Bay Lodge site. Respondents highlighted a desire for seniors care.
"To use the Oak Bay Lodge site as a place to build access to senior services and work with partners around things like long-term care will be absolutely critical for the region and for the seniors who have helped build it," said Lore.
To find out more about the site, visit: crd.bc.ca.
