The launch of construction on Cariboo Place that will provide 70 publicly funded residential beds and two private pay beds was celebrated Friday morning in downtown Williams Lake.
President of Vantage Living which was awarded the contract by Interior Health for the project’s development in March 2017, Johann Burger says in addition to the facilities that will be provided to seniors the opening of Cariboo Place will also provide employment opportunities for 61 regular employees as well a number of casual employees.
“We’re pleased that these career employment opportunities including cooks care aides, and nurses will be available for people from Williams Lake and the surrounding areas as many of these positions are skilled positions. Thompson Rivers University right here in Williams Lake is currently offering classes that will enable candidates to be trained and available for employment by the time Cariboo Place opens.”
Burger goes on to say that features of Cariboo Place will include a designated fully equipped bariatric room, a snoezelen room that is a therapeutic environment created to provide high levels of stimuli which has a calming effect on people with dementia, and also a designated sacred space offering residents and family members of all faiths and cultures a place for worship, celebration, and prayer.
“This space will be designated to accommodate First Nations smudging and smoking ceremonies,” he notes.
Information on how much the construction of the facility costs is confidential although Burger says it runs into the tens of millions of dollars.
“I think we’re feeling particularly proud and honored to be part of the revitalization of the downtown core of Williams Lake.”
“I would also like to give a very special mention and thank you to Mayor Walt and CAO Milo MacDonald and their teams at the City of Williams Lake. Their business-friendly assistance and the warm welcome that they gave Vantage Living when we came to town was very much appreciated as we worked towards the development of Cariboo Place and with the renovation of the old museum which now houses the residents of former Jubilee House.”
Cariboo Place is anticipated to open in winter 2018-19.
“I’m really glad they’ve kept Cariboo in the name because we all know this building as Cariboo Lodge, ” said Tammy Tugnum, Interior Health board member.
“So I’m glad it’s going to live to see another day in our community.”
(Editor’s Note: Speaking in the video below is Walt Cobb, Mayor of Williams Lake)