Vancouver Coastal Health is moving forward with plans to redevelop the Capilano Care Centre in West Vancouver, which has been closed since 2022, into a modern long-term care home.
The plan must focus on scale. The previous facility had 205 beds, and the current request for qualifications sets a minimum of 210 beds. Experts say this is far too small given the growing demand from B.C.’s aging population. According to the province’s Seniors Advocate, 16,000 new long-term care beds will be needed in the next decade to prevent a seniors care crisis.
With the property already purchased at market value, the priority should be maximizing its potential. Vancouver Coastal Health, local authorities, and the province should aim to create a facility that can house as many residents as feasible while maintaining high standards of care.
Staffing such a large facility will also be a major challenge. Long-term care workers often weigh commute times in their employment decisions. Including affordable workforce housing on the site could improve recruitment and retention while benefiting residents through consistent, high-quality care.
Local planning regulations, including height and density limits outlined in West Vancouver’s official community plan, should not restrict the facility’s design. Physical constraints exist, but the focus must be on creating a safe, comfortable, and dignified environment for seniors.
The new development at Clyde Avenue represents a critical opportunity to address the region’s growing seniors care needs. Half measures will not suffice if the community wants to provide long-term care that meets both current and future demands.
