The new Campus of Care project slated for Gibsons is starting to take shape.
Representatives from the Good Samaritan Society and Stantec Architecture were on hand at Tuesday's Planning Committee meeting to present proposed designs for the project.
The project was announced in mid-December. The development is planned for Shaw Road.
Committee members asked several questions about the design, what materials will be used and how the project will fit into the neighbourhood during the discussion.
In general, the committee seemed pleased at what they saw.
"As a senior and someone who may have to use this new facility someday, I would like to welcome you to the Town of Gibsons," said committee member Bob Curry. "I think this is a much-needed project, and what better place than here in Gibsons? I'm happy with the design, and I think it will fit well into the neighbourhood."
Following the presentation, the committee recommended to council that a development permit for construction of the project be granted once several issues are addressed.
Those issues included a clarification of the dedication of a 3.5 m pedestrian and bicycle trail right-of-way through the south end of Shaw Road to the Mahon Road extension, dedicating the Mahon Road extension as a right-of-way on the site, clarification on the access for fire fighting and plans showing proposed servicing and site grading.
Council is expected to approve the motion at their Feb. 17 council meeting.
"It's been my experience that these are very significant projects in B.C., and we are fortunate to be working with you to bring this facility to Gibsons," said Doug Stickney from the Good Samaritan Society. "We feel very confident we can meet all your requests and we thank you for your support."
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), B.C. Housing and the Town of Gibsons are cooperating to build this care facility, which will include 60 independent living units, 50 complex care beds and 30 dementia cottages. The Good Samaritan Society is a non-profit long-term care organization based in Edmonton. They have been selected to build the complex and to provide personal support services for clients with high physical and cognitive needs and dependencies.
Ground breaking for the project is scheduled for June of this year with project completion scheduled for November 2005.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will contribute $1.5 million towards the $18 million construction costs under the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement. The Society will build and own the facility and VCH will be responsible for operating costs, projected at $5.2 million annually. The province, through B.C. Housing, will provide the Society with operating subsidies over 35 years.
