More Fort St. John, Canada, seniors forced to live in homeless shelter as Peace Villa expansion contracts are cancelled

More Fort St. John seniors are being forced to live in a homeless shelter as some contracts for the Peace Villa long-term care expansion are cancelled. The Salvation Army shelter and food bank have become a critical resource for many older adults in the community, with more than 50 per cent of those accessing the shelter considered seniors.

Executive Director Jason King of The Salvation Army noted the growing pressure seniors face due to housing availability, affordability, health challenges, and limited support options. “That reflects the growing pressure many older adults in our community are facing,” he said, emphasizing the need for community support.

Jordan Kealy, Independent MLA for Peace River North, criticized the situation, stating the shelter is not a safe environment for seniors. “This should never happen to citizens who have been paying taxes their whole lives,” Kealy said, highlighting concerns about the provincial government’s commitment to its citizens.

In February, the NDP government delayed the Peace Villa long-term care expansion project indefinitely, along with six other similar projects. The delays were attributed to fiscal pressures and rising construction costs. Now, Northern Health has cancelled some contracts related to the expansion.

Margaret Little, president of Save Our Northern Seniors, described the situation as a crisis. “Northern B.C. is in desperate need” of long-term care facilities, she said. Little pointed out that some single rooms at Peace Villa now house two residents, a situation she says was not promised to seniors.

Little emphasized that Peace Villa was intended to be a special home for seniors, and the current conditions are unacceptable. “Having to share is not acceptable,” she said, underscoring the community’s urgent need for proper care facilities.

The provincial government has not provided a timeline or additional support for residents affected by the expansion delays. King urged individuals in need to seek assistance early, noting that community supports are available across the city.

King also pointed out that the issue extends beyond Fort St. John, with other communities experiencing similar increases in senior visits to shelters. “Long-term solutions will require ongoing collaboration between all levels of government, healthcare and housing providers, and community organizations,” he said, to ensure seniors can age with dignity.

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