“We’re working on it.”
This is what Richmond-Steveston MLA Kelly Greene had to say about the rebuild of the long-term care home Lions Manor that closed nine years ago and moved to a temporary location on Bridgeport Road.
While Greene said the reconstruction project is a “priority” for the provincial government, there are still no details on a timeline, cost or what it will look like.
The business case for rebuilding the Lions Manor on Fentiman Place was submitted by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) a year ago, and Greene said it’s now with the ministry of health for consideration.
“I know how important (Lions Manor) is for residents of Richmond-Steveston,” Greene told the News on Thursday.
Greene said her grandmother was at the Fentiman location of the Lions Manor, and she appreciated being able to visit her when she was close to her home.
Furthermore, she said she realizes how important it is for Richmond residents to “age in place.”
The Lions Manor in Steveston closed nine years ago after it was no longer deemed safe. It moved into a hotel on Bridgeport Road, which was supposed to be a temporary space.
In 2017, Vancouver Coastal Health announced it would rebuild the facility with public funds, and it would house 144 beds.
The lot at 11771 Fentiman Pl., in Steveston, has sat empty since the run-down facility was shuttered in 2014.
The Ministry of Health didn't respond to questions about the business case and funding by the News' deadline.
