Coun. Catherine Pope wants the District of North Vancouver to expedite a proposal to include housing for health-care workers and seniors housing as part of a redevelopment plan for the Lynn Valley Legion. If the District of North Vancouver council expedites the proposal, construction on seniors housing could start as early as early 2024 with seniors moving in 2025 or 2026.
The redevelopment proposes two new buildings: Affordable housing for up to 96 seniors with diverse care needs, and a non-market housing for health care workers, a children’s day care, community kitchen and a new Legion facility. The non-market ‘nurses suites’ for health care workers are planned to be self-contained, one-bedroom rentals with typical two years stay.
The proposed senior’s care facility for 96 seniors will be a modern ‘nursing home’ where residents will live in a ‘home-like environment.’ The facility would operate under the Care and Assisted Living Act of BC, and residents will have their own private suite consisting of approximately 300 square feet of bedroom, seating, storage and a private washroom equipped with a shower.
According to her report, the District of North Vancouver has an acute shortage of long-term care beds and assisted living for seniors. Vancouver Coastal Health estimates the DNV needs 276 seniors care units as of today. “Council has an opportunity to expedite the planning and approval process for a unique development that will provide affordable, long-term care for up to 96 seniors and 20 non-market rental units for health care workers employed on-site,” she notes.
The redevelopment will also create a 4,000 square feet legion with community kitchen. The redevelopment will also provide an additional 2,000 square feet place for the legion to generate passive income.
“The Legion development will ensure that at least 96 seniors who have called North Vancouver home will continue living. out their lives in a quality care facility that is affordable. The provision of housing for health care workers will ensure the facility is always staffed appropriately. Seniors will maintain crucial social connections with family and friends and the daycare will enhance liveability in Lynn Valley. The Legion and its community kitchen will provide a gathering place for all to build lifelong community connections,” her report notes.
At a recent council meeting, Pope also brought forward a motion asking DNV to consider affordable housing on top of a new firehall in Lynn Valley.
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