Seniors in Fort St. John Speak Out Over Delayed Care Home Expansion
Residents of Fort St. John in northeastern British Columbia are raising serious concerns after the provincial government postponed plans to expand the local long-term care facility. The decision, part of broader shifts in the 2026 B.C. budget, has left many local seniors and caregivers worried about growing waitlists and limited care options in the region.
Peace Villa Expansion Put On Hold, Waitlists Grow
The expansion of the Peace Villa long-term care home — which was set to add 84 new beds — has now been shelved along with several other care home projects across the province, according to recent budget decisions. Without those additional beds, people in the community who need long-term care may face prolonged waits or be forced to travel far from home for essential services.
Local seniors advocate Margaret Little says the planned expansion was crucial for the Peace region, where demand has been growing for years. With the facility already operating at full capacity and waitlists swelling — more than 70 people were reportedly waiting for a spot in January — families and patients are left with uncertainty and few alternatives.
Health System Strain Felt Across Community
Many seniors currently waiting for a long-term care bed continue to occupy hospital space simply because there’s nowhere else for them to go, a situation that places pressure on both acute-care services and families. Residents say the lack of beds also affects quality of life for seniors who might otherwise receive care in a more supportive and appropriate setting.
While the provincial government says the projects are being “re-paced” rather than cancelled outright and emphasizes that future solutions are being explored, local voices say they need concrete commitments and timelines to ensure seniors aren’t left waiting even longer for care.
Broader Provincial Context
The postponement in Fort St. John is part of a larger provincial trend where several long-term care expansions have been delayed due to fiscal pressures and decisions around how best to sequence infrastructure spending. Health advocates, including seniors’ groups, have warned these pauses could exacerbate existing pressures on B.C.’s care system and deepen wait times for vulnerable populations across the province.
As families and advocates continue to raise their concerns, the evolving situation underscores ongoing challenges in balancing budgets while addressing urgent health-care needs for an aging population.
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