A $232 million construction project is proceeding following a special groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 11 in Cranbrook.

Elected officials, Ktunaxa Nation dignitaries, Interior Health and Bird Construction representatives and Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home staff gathered in the soon-to-be developed lot beside the current care home.

The new five-storey home at 1700-4 St. S. will replace the existing 70-year-old Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home. The number of long-term care beds will increase from 60 to 150 in the 16,600 square foot facility and will include three hospice beds, with a completion date set for late 2029 or early 2030.

Esteemed Ktunaxa Nation elder Sophie Pierre opened the ceremony with a prayer, followed by words from Nasukin Cheryl Casimer (aqam), Nasukin Jason Louie with Yaqan Nukiy (Lower Kootenay) and Jared Basil, who conducted a tobacco ceremony for the land.

A key feature of this project is the partnership with Ktunaxa Nation, which is guiding cultural integration and supporting the incorporation of traditional knowledge and language. From landscaping with native plants to creating spaces that honour culture and connection, this collaboration is helping ensure the new home reflects the values and needs of the community.

Ktunaxa Nation Council Kathryn Teneese stated in a media release:  “This project expands the Nation relationship with Interior Health to include avenues for potential contracting and business opportunities for Ktunaxa businesses. As well, Ktunaxa language and culture will be evident throughout the building, making it welcoming and beautiful.”

Kootenay East Regional Hospital District (KERHD) board chair David Wilks said, “We are proud to contribute $92 million – 40% of the funding – toward this long-awaited project and we are excited to see construction now underway. This milestone brings us closer to a new long-term care home for our region; a place where seniors can live with dignity, comfort and connection, and where families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are supported in a safe and vibrant space.”

Construction will take place in two phases. In Phase 1, space for the first 66 new beds will be built. Phase 1 is expected to open in 2027, allowing current residents to move into the new home. Phase 2, which will include an additional 84 beds, is scheduled for completion in 2030. Phase 2 will include space for a child care facility, creating a vibrant, multi-generational hub for the community.

“This new home will mean more seniors can stay close to their loved ones, receive the care they need, and live with dignity in a safe and welcoming environment,” said Sylvia Weir, interim president and CEO, Interior Health. “Residents and their families will enjoy a modernized health-care environment where they are supported by compassionate teams in a space that honours connection, culture and community.”

Dr. Todd Loewen, senior medical director, East Kootenay, Interior Health said, “Not only does this improve quality of elderly care by positively impacting the health-care journey throughout one’s lifespan, the new, additional long-term care spaces will take significant pressure off our acute care system, allowing it to appropriately focus on what it is designed to do. Thus, we very much appreciate this commitment that will positively impact all health services in the region.”

KERHD Chair Wilks noted it was a long process to get to this point, with an unpleasant increased funding request of $30 million more included from regional taxpayers as the project ballooned from $76 million to $232 million. The KERHD funds 40% of capital projects.

Noticeable in their absence at the most significant taxpayer funded project in the region since the regional hospital were relevant provincial government ministers or proxies.

However, they provided quotes in a media release.

“Replacing the care home in Cranbrook and more than doubling the space for people who need care is wonderful news for the community,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The new and modernized Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home will provide seniors with greater privacy, more supports and enhanced amenities that meet today’s standards of care. With welcoming community spaces and comfortable areas for friends and loved ones to visit, this home will also help strengthen social connections and improve quality of life for residents.”

“This project is about supporting people – creating good local jobs today and ensuring seniors in Cranbrook have access to the care they need close to home,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “By expanding long-term care and strengthening partnerships with local communities, we’re investing in a healthier, more connected future for everyone.”

Lead image: Local dignitaries break ground at Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photos

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