The Town of Smithers has put out official notice it intends to turn over vacant town land between Alberta Street and Vancouver Street, and Alfred Avenue and First Avenue to the Northern Health Authority. The town will sell the land for $1 and indemnification for $1 milion in environmental liability for use as a long-term care facility.
"The transfer will take place in 2025 but the exact date is still in progress," said the town's Engagement and Communications Officer Sam LeBlanc.
Last August, the B.C. Health Minister at the time, Adrian Dix, announced more seniors housing is coming to Smithers.
The new long-term care home will bring 160 new publicly-funded beds to the community.
In addition to the new beds, the home will replace 56 beds at Bulkley Valley Lodge, for a total of 216 beds. The new home will be built and operated by Providence Living in partnership with Northern Health under a Project Development Agreement.
The new building will be at the end of Broadway Avenue. There is no plan yet for the Bulkley Lodge after the new facility is built.
The vacant lots are currently being used for the town to dump snow.
"The town is actively seeking a new snow dump location, but no decision has been made yet. We will continue to use the land for this entire snow season," said LeBlanc.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2028 with the home expected to be open for residents in 2030.
