Delta Long-Term Care Centre Completion Delayed to 2028

UPDATE: The completion of the new Delta Long-Term Care Centre has been delayed by one year, now set to finish in 2028 instead of 2027. This announcement was made by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey on September 15, 2023, during the release of the government’s first quarterly report following the 2025 budget.

The delay comes amid a backdrop of troubling financial forecasts for the province, which is facing a record deficit of nearly $11.6 billion, significantly higher than initial estimates. The total budget for the fiscal year is projected at nearly $95 billion, raising concerns about how ongoing projects are being financed.

The Beedie Long Term Care Centre, intended to replace the aging Mountain View Manor, will expand capacity from 92 to 200 beds, providing residents with a modern, home-like environment. Early work on the site has commenced, with $4 million already spent as of June 30. This facility will also include a 32-space adult day program and a 49-space child care facility, promoting intergenerational connections among residents.

Despite the completion date adjustment, the overall budget for the Delta Long-Term Care project remains unchanged, funded through $179.7 million from the Ministry of Health, supported by an impressive $18.25 million raised through the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s “Coming Home” campaign—its largest fundraising effort to date.

The quarterly report not only highlights the long-term care facility delay but also outlines a grim financial outlook for the province, with a projected deficit for 2026/27 soaring to over $12.6 billion, up from the earlier forecast of $10.2 billion. The province’s total debt is now expected to reach approximately $155.3 billion by year-end, escalating to $185.7 billion in 2026/27 and $212.9 billion the following year.

The significant revision in fiscal forecasts stems largely from the removal of a consumer carbon tax, which will result in lost revenue of more than $2.8 billion this year alone. This loss will continue to impact the province, costing over $3.1 billion next year and exceeding $3.4 billion in the year after.

As officials navigate these financial challenges, the delay in the Delta Long-Term Care Centre highlights the urgent need for resources in the healthcare system, especially for communities that rely on modern care facilities. The impact on residents and their families remains profound as they await the completion of a center designed to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

For residents, families, and advocates of long-term care, this latest development underscores a critical moment in the ongoing fight for adequate healthcare resources. As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on the provincial government’s next steps to manage these fiscal challenges while ensuring that essential projects, like the Delta Long-Term Care Centre, reach completion.