Derrick Bernardo says the valley will be a “world-class neighborhood with housing, care, services and beautiful green spaces.”
The chief executive of Broadmead Care says he expects people to come from “near and far” to see a sustainable, integrated community being created in the Nigel Valley, where a new complex care facility Nigel House is being built.
“Many partners have come together with the vision to redevelop the entire nine-acre Nigel Valley to create a world-class neighborhood with housing, care, services and beautiful green spaces,” Derrick Bernardo said this week.
“We believe our city will be very proud of this. It takes a community to create something so wonderful and we are grateful for the many people, partners and organizations who pulled together to make this possible.”
In the new facility, which is under construction next to the existing one and is expected to be ready for occupancy next summer, the number of nursing places will be increased from 26 to 41.
There will also be 37 independent living units and 10 affordable housing units.
The $50 million project is a partnership between Broadmead Care, the owner and operator of Nigel House, and BC Housing.
As construction of the new Nigel House continues, Broadmead Care is leading a $1.5 million fundraising campaign to equip the new living quarters with furniture and appliances, including ceiling lifts for each bedroom costing $205,000 and 15 electric beds for $2,800 each.
For one resident, 65-year-old Shirley Dehr, Nigel House has been her home for 23 years.
Dehr suffers from a rare genetic disorder called Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome, which occurs in about one in 100,000 people. It can affect many parts of the body, causing neurological and vision problems, as well as hindering growth and mobility.
As Dehr grew up, she attended school regularly, but her symptoms disappeared and she eventually moved to a long-term care facility. A social worker there knew about Nigel House and put Dehr on the waiting list.
She moved in about 16 months later.
Dehr said she enjoys life at Nigel House, where residents receive 24-hour care and can participate in exercise programs and community outings, and has developed lasting friendships there over the years.
“It’s a good place to live,” she said.
Despite her vision problems, she said she was still able to participate in activities like bingo thanks to the Braille bingo cards. Dehr said she doesn't like it when people assume there's something she can't handle.
“People say you can’t do this or that, but I can do it in a different way,” she said.
Dehr said she is looking forward to the new Nigel House because the current facility has limitations such as narrow doorways that she may have difficulty getting through with her walker.
She said she is fortunate to have family in Courtenay and enjoys visiting and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Dehr said she is fairly independent with her walker and wheelchair, with the nearby Uptown Mall and Hillside Shopping Center among her favorite destinations.
To donate to the campaign, go to broadmeadcare.com/nigel-house-donations/.
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