SONS criticizes ‘devastating’ delays to Peace Villa expansion

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  A local seniors advocacy group is speaking out about the province’s decision to delay an expansion of the Peace Villa assisted living facility. 

During the City of Fort St. John council meeting on March 23rd, a letter was received from Save Our Northern Seniors (SONS) regarding the cancellation of a third unit at Peace Villa in Fort St. John. The letter was included in the correspondence section of the agenda, and the council took no action beyond reviewing it.

On February 17th, Brenda Bailey, B.C.’s finance minister, tabled the first iteration of B.C.’s 2026 budget, which delayed the construction of multiple long-term care homes, including the Peace Villa expansion, without a clear timeline. 

The letter advocated against the decision, referencing a letter published by the city to the province, speaking out and requesting the plans be returned. 

“The cancellation of the [Peace Villa] third house is devastating, and as you said in your letter, this decision will impact many people in our area,” Margaret Little, president of SONS, wrote.

In the city’s original letter, Mayor Lilia Hansen stated the community was “dismayed, devastated and worried” about the decision to delay the expansion of Peace Villa. 

“Seniors needing care continues to increase yearly, with many returning to the area, aging in place is the goal, but there comes a time when a loved one needs more appropriate housing, including assisted living care and support,” Hansen wrote. 

Bailey has previously stated the delayed projects are due to “significant and unsustainable costs” as high as $1.8 million per bed.