Delta Long-Term Care Centre Completion Delayed to 2028

The completion date for the new Delta Long-Term Care Centre has been postponed by one year, now expected to finish in 2028 instead of 2027. The announcement was made on September 15, 2023, by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey during the release of the first quarterly report linked to the government’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

This report reveals that the province is contending with a record deficit projected at $11.6 billion, which is $665 million more than previously estimated. The total budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year stands at nearly $95 billion, reflecting significant economic pressures.

Details of the New Care Facility

The Delta Long-Term Care Centre, referred to in the report as the Beedie Long Term Care Centre, will replace the aging Mountain View Manor, which has been in operation since 1977 and currently accommodates 92 residents. The new facility is designed to provide a modern, home-like environment, with a capacity of 200 beds. It will include inviting living rooms, dining areas, activity spaces, and outdoor access, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

As part of its services, the centre will also feature a 32-space adult day program and an innovative 49-space child care facility. This dual approach aims to foster intergenerational programming, allowing for engagement between different age groups.

The capital costs for this facility are primarily funded by $179.7 million from the Ministry of Health, supplemented by $18.25 million raised through the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s “Coming Home” campaign, marking the organization’s most significant fundraising achievement to date.

Financial Forecast and Implications

The quarterly report also highlighted a substantial revision in the province’s financial outlook for the coming years. The deficit for the fiscal year 2026/27 is now anticipated to exceed $12.6 billion, an increase from the initial forecast of $10.2 billion. The following year, the deficit is expected to be around $12.3 billion, up from nearly $9.9 billion.

A critical factor contributing to this deficit increase is the removal of the consumer carbon tax, which has already led to more than $2.8 billion in projected revenue losses for the current year. The impact of this decision will continue to resonate, with anticipated losses exceeding $3.1 billion next year and over $3.4 billion in 2027.

The overall debt for the province is projected to reach approximately $155.3 billion by the end of this year, a slight decrease from the previously estimated $156.6 billion in March. Looking ahead, this figure is expected to rise to $185.7 billion in 2026/27 and $212.9 billion the following year.

This latest report underscores the pressures facing provincial finances and the ongoing need for careful fiscal management as the government looks to address the challenges ahead.