Hawthorne Seniors Centre looks to add at least 300 beds in planned expansion

It’s not a done deal yet, but a major expansion is in the offing for the Hawthorne Seniors Centre.

The Port Coquitlam Senior Citizens Housing Society has applied to the Fraser Health Authority to more than double the facility’s capacity through a two-phase redevelopment – an idea that garnered unanimous support from Port Coquitlam council.

“We need to get going on this,” said Mayor Brad West at Tuesday’s meeting. “There is such a great need and the need is now.”

West added that he and council would urge senior levels of government to move the project forward.

If approved, the first phase of development would replace four cottages with an eight-storey care facility with 300 and 350 long-term care beds.

The facility currently provides 131 long-term care beds and 70 assisted living units – both of which have long waitlists, according to Port Coquitlam planner Natalie Coburn.

The second phase would add a building that would mirror the facility on the western side of the five-acre site. The amount of floor space allocated to seniors programs and beds in the second phase would be determined based on need, according to a city staff report.

Given the importance of the project, council should: “put pressure on the appropriate people,” according to Coun. Glenn Pollock.

Coun. Steve Darling agreed.

If you’re able to move into a care facility without leaving your community the outcomes tend to be much better, Darling said.

“You feel more like you’re still at home.”

Meeting the growing demand for seniors care is good for the people who need care as well as the “family members who have to take on that caretaker role,” added Coun. Paige Petriw.

Aside from an addition in 2016, the current tower was built in the 1970s.

The first phase of development also includes plans for an underground parkade with access from the lane off Welcher Avenue.