West Vancouver Kiwanis
60th Anniversary Celebration
Remarks of Ralph Sultan, MLA
Kiwanis Seniors Facility, West Vancouver, B.C.

Thank you for that kind introduction

It’s a pleasure to be here today, and an honour to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the West Vancouver Kiwanis, with all of you

As BC Liberal MLA for West Vancouver- Capilano, I’m proud to represent our provincial government here today, and celebrate their accomplishments in improving the lives of seniors. In fulfilling that quest, Kilwanis organizations across the province have played an important strategic role.

For an example, Vancouver Coastal Health’s (VCH) Operation Budget for Home and Community Care for the 2002/2003 was approximately $431 million as compared to the 2006/2007 budget of approximately $473 million.

I would like to highlight a few of our government’s accomplishments…
  • In VCH, the total number of home and community care units/beds increased from 7051 in 2001, to 7797 in December 2006, due to net gains in assisted living units and supportive housing units with home support

  • It is forecast that additional 410 assisted living units will be open by December 2008, making the total number of care units/beds to be 8202
In summer 2007, construction began on the expansion of Hilltop House in Squamish. The existing Hilltop House is a complex care facility that can accommodate those requiring extended, intermediate and respite care. It is equipped with 59 residential beds and two respite beds. The expansion will involve the addition of 49 beds and new equipment, bringing the total number of residential care beds to 110 and significantly added to housing options for seniors in this region who must often seek temporary placement outside their home community.

Total capital costs are estimated at approximately $18.6 million with the Ministry of Health contributing $12.96 million and the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District offering $5.64 million.

VCH will fund annual operating costs, estimated to be $8 million per year. Occupancy is targeted for August 2008.
  • In May 2007, VCH supported the opening of Kiwanis Garden Manor, which offers 40 private assisted living units to seniors in Powell River. I was given the privilege of cutting the ribbon -- together with a dozen or so other politicians!

  • At Powell River, Residents receive hospitality and personal care services, such as meals, housekeeping and laundry services, recreational opportunities, assistance with medications and other care needs.

  • VCH is providing ongoing funding for the personal care and hospitality services to ensure that tenants have access to the health care services they need to remain independent.

  • The development, owned and operated by the Powell River Kiwanis Housing Society, cost $8-million and was developed under the Independent Living BC program.
Finally, who could overlook the role of BC Housing in assisting West Vancouver Kiwanis in completing and opening this magnificent facility, in which we celebrate your 60th anniversary. A magnificent building, with virtually luxury accommodation to my eye!

In the fall of 2006, VCH established a single public and professional referral line and central intake service in Vancouver for home and community health services for adults, seniors and people with disabilities

This included services such as home support, ambulatory clinics, adult day centres, assisted living and residential care, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, chronic disease management, nutrition, respite and meal programs.

The new services are dramatically improving ease of access to community care for clients, their family members and physicians. Similar referral and intake lines exist in Richmond and on the North Shore

I’m proud to say that our government is addressing the needs of seniors and investing in the needs of our community. In cooperation with Kiwanis, we can together help meet the huge challenges of looking after our seniors in the years to come.

Thank You
>> back to top <<