A Ladner property, where a new seniors’ care facility was to be built, will remain vacant for the time being following the cancellation of the project.
In 2019, Delta council approved a redevelopment application for the 55-bed West Shore Laylum facility at 4900 Central Ave.
Built in the early 1970s, the old facility was to be demolished and replaced with a new three-storey, 74-bed community care facility.
The residents of the Ladner facility were relocated to a space at the Suncrest Retirement Community, located at 2567 King George Blvd. in Surrey. It is operated by Manor Care (White Rock) Inc.
The move out to Surrey was meant to be only temporary and they were to move back to the new Ladner facility once completed. The old building was subsequently demolished and the site remains vacant.
The Optimist has learned that recently families were notified that the redevelopment is not proceeding and the relocated residents would be remaining at Suncrest. A family member of a resident contacted the Optimist with the information, but would not go on the record.
Delta’s community planning and development department confirmed the owner, West Shore Laylum, advised the city that they are not proceeding with the development permit, so the file has been cancelled.
The city is unaware of any future plans for the property.
As far as the relocated residents, Fraser Health confirmed that the residents and families of West Shore Laylum at Suncrest received an update regarding the status of the care home and the funded beds can stay within the existing space at Suncrest, which means there will be no disruption to their care or a reduction in funded beds.
Fraser Health also noted residents will be assisted with supports such as transfers to other facilities, if requested.
Questions were raised by a family member to the BC Seniors Advocate, which received clarification by Suzanne Fox, Executive Director, Seniors and Complex Care with Fraser Health.
It was confirmed that two for-profit long-term care providers, who have contracts with Fraser Health to operate publicly funded beds, are in the process of completing a purchase and sale agreement of West Shore Laylum, currently owned by First Canadian Management Corporation.
Fraser Health is not a party to the negotiations, which is subject to regulatory approval, and would conclude with all residents being able to remain in their current home.
The Seniors Advocate also noted its priority is to ensure continuity of care for all of the residents who currently live and are cared for at Suncrest Retirement Community.
A letter to family members from West Shore Laylum also noted Suncrest Retirement Community is in the process of purchasing West Shore Laylum, and the anticipated completion date is April 20th, 2023.
An official with Suncrest told the Optimist they could not provide comment on West Shore Laylum’s vacant Ladner site.
