Monday October 20, 2025 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Seniors, veterans and adults living with disabilities are moving into 88 new suites with the opening of the new Nigel House in Saanich.
To highlight the significance of this new long-term care housing facility, a wide range of leaders attended the official opening on Friday afternoon, October 17.
There were speeches, a ribbon cutting, building tours, refreshments, live music, and plenty of time to mingle. At least 200 people attended.
Speakers:
In a sunlight-bright open meeting space, several speakers delivered remarks about the importance of housing for seniors, veterans and adults living with disabilities as well as the affordability factor.
Federal MP:
Federal support for seniors was highlighted by Secretary of State for Seniors Stephanie McLean, who is also the local MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke. She remarked on the lovely homey touches in the building including the artwork and wallpaper. She emphasized how housing of a range of types — including being suitable and affordable — is a societal priority and that the Liberal government is aiming to build more homes at a record pace. She noted that Parksville-Qualicum and Sidney — two communities that she visited this summer — have the highest proportion of seniors in the whole country. “When people have the support they need to thrive, all of us benefit,” she said.
McLean highlighted the federal government’s Affordable Housing Fund as a tool to “double the rate of home building in this country and to create a new housing industry, one that’s powered by Canadian innovation, workers and BC lumber”.
“Housing should be created with dignity, purpose and care,” said McLean.
Provincial leadership:
Affordability of special housing spaces was highlighted by local MLA Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens’ Services (and MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head). Saanich MLA Lana Popham was unable to attend.
Gibson said that Nigel House is more than just a building — that it is “a thriving and diverse community where people will find comfort, connection and care, where dignity and independence are supported every day”.
She acknowledged all the partners who have had a shared commitment to building a community where everyone can thrive, noting the combination of long term care and accessible housing.
Gibson noted that more non-profit and rental homes are being built than in previous years which is part of greater stability and opportunity for a range of residents in BC communities.
District of Saanich:
The District of Saanich was represented by Acting Mayor Susan Brice who added her welcome to new residents and their families into the community.
Brice congratulated everyone who was involved with developing the house. She acknowledged two former mayors — Murray Cole and Frank Leonard — who volunteered after leaving office to see the Nigel House project fulfilled.
Respect and acceptance are key aspects of Nigel House, said Brice. It’s one of more buildings to come as part a revisioning of the Nigel Valley area.
Island Health:
The health-care component of specialized care was highlighted by Island Health Board Chair Leah Hollins.
People living with disabilities and who require long-term care are receiving from a dedicated, compassionate team in a strong and inclusive community environment.
She articulated the “love, life and living” motto of Broadmead Care.
She noted that annual funding is provided to Broadmead Care as a long-term care partner, including now the 41 long-term care beds at Nigel House which she says has a strong community environment.
Broadmead Care:
The emcee was Mandy Parker, Vice President, Media Relations & Philanthropy of Broadmead Care. She called the new housing “an incredible milestone, one that has been shaped by years of vision, planning, dedication and deep care for the people we serve”. She thanked residents, families, donors, staff and supporters who had the vision for a place where “people can live life as fully as possible”.
Also delivering their heartfelt remarks were Derrick Bernardo, President and CEO at Broadmead Care; Mark Brennan, Vice-Chair Broadmead Care; and Owen Terrell, therapy assistant at Nigel House.
Living in comfort, safety and independence was a key component of all remarks as was a genuine pleasure and pride at the quality of the building and its compassionate range of services.
About the building:
The new six-storey concrete building at 851 Nigel Avenue offers 88 suites, including 41 private long-term care rooms for adults living with disabilities, 37 independent living suites and 10 affordable housing units.
The building is prominently located across the street from Saanich Plaza — a large shopping mall including Save On Foods, banking, health services, fast food outlets, personal care, pet care, and more.
Nigel House replaces an older building that had reached the end of its life. The new space is modern, accessible and designed to support people with a range of needs. It’s part of the larger Nigel Valley redevelopment, which is transforming the area into a more inclusive and supportive community.
A second building is under construction on the other side of Nigel Avenue.
Shared commitment:
Three levels of government (federal, provincial, municipal) along with partnership with other agencies made the new specialized housing possible.
The project is considered as a shared commitment to building communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Broadmead Care Society:
Nigel House is owned and operated by Broadmead Care Society, a non-profit organization.
Broadmead Care works in partnership with Island Health and Veterans Affairs Canada to provide care and support for seniors, veterans and adults with disabilities.
“Nigel House opens its doors with 88 suites that are home to seniors, veterans and adults with disabilities,” said Derrick Bernardo, CEO, Broadmead Care Society. “It is a place where care, dignity and choice come together under one roof. Together, we are building a place where well-being and happiness thrive, today and for years to come.”
Funding for Nigel House:
Most of the capital funding was provided by the BC Government and the Broadmead Care Society, with further support from the federal and regional governments. Annual operational funding will be covered by Island Health.
- The Province, through BC Housing, provided more than $11 million in grants for Nigel House.
- Broadmead Care Society provided equity of more than $12 million.
- The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, provided $3.2 million from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund.
- Capital Region Hospital District provided more than $1 million.
- Island Health is providing annual operating funding of approximately $5 million for the 41 long-term care rooms.
The Nigel House project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including more than 1,400 homes in Saanich.
===== RELATED:
NEWS SECTIONS: ISLAND HEALTH | SAANICH | LONG TERM CARE HOMES | SENIORS | HOUSING