CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. — A major milestone in local healthcare infrastructure will be reached this month when community leaders, healthcare advocates and corporate partners gather for the official groundbreaking of the Just Like Home (JLH) Lodge, a new facility set to support patients and families travelling for medical care.
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD), in partnership with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and Seymour Pacific Homes, announced that the Start of Construction Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the lodge’s future site, located at 565 2nd Avenue, behind Yucalta Lodge.
The event will feature a traditional First Nations blessing, remarks from the SRD and its project partners, and a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony designed to highlight the community-wide significance of the project. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take part in photo opportunities marking the launch of construction.
Addressing a Community Need
The Just Like Home Lodge is being developed to provide much-needed accommodation for patients and their families who must travel to Campbell River to access hospital services. For years, local healthcare providers and advocates have pointed to the challenges faced by patients who live outside the city and struggle with both the cost and availability of temporary housing during treatment or while supporting loved ones.
By situating the new lodge next to Campbell River Hospital, the SRD and its partners aim to ease those burdens, improving both access to care and overall patient experience. While the press release highlights the ceremonial aspects of the launch, the project itself is widely regarded as a crucial addition to the region’s healthcare landscape.
Collaboration at the Core
The initiative reflects a collaboration between public, non-profit, and private sectors. The SRD has coordinated the project with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation, a long-standing fundraising body for local health services, and Seymour Pacific Homes, a private developer headquartered in Campbell River with a track record of community engagement.
Together, the three partners are advancing a vision that blends healthcare service delivery with community infrastructure investment. The partnership illustrates a broader trend in Canadian healthcare projects, where government bodies increasingly work alongside private firms and charitable organizations to address gaps in care access.
Event Logistics
The SRD has advised that parking at the construction site will be limited. Visitors are encouraged to park on 2nd Avenue or make use of the overflow gravel lot by Yucalta Lodge, located adjacent to the project site.
The organizers expect a significant turnout from stakeholders, community members, and local media, all of whom will be able to witness the project’s ceremonial beginning. The inclusion of a First Nations blessing underscores the region’s recognition of Indigenous traditions and their integral role in community events.
Broader Economic and Social Implications
From a business and economic perspective, the project is poised to deliver both direct and indirect benefits to the Campbell River region. Construction activity is expected to create jobs in the short term, while the lodge itself will generate ongoing employment in hospitality and facility operations once open.
Moreover, the presence of a patient lodge can enhance Campbell River’s position as a healthcare hub on Vancouver Island, potentially attracting more specialized medical services and retaining healthcare professionals who are often drawn to communities with strong support infrastructure.
For patients and families, the economic impact is equally meaningful. Affordable, nearby accommodations reduce the hidden costs of healthcare, lessening financial pressures on rural residents who must travel for essential services. This aligns with broader provincial healthcare goals of equity and accessibility, ensuring that geography does not become a barrier to treatment.
Looking Ahead
While the Start of Construction Ceremony on September 10 marks the beginning of the building process, the broader community will be watching closely for updates on construction timelines, funding progress, and the anticipated opening date.
The ceremony is expected to be both symbolic and celebratory, reflecting years of advocacy and planning. For Campbell River, the event signals not just the start of a building project, but the start of what many hope will become a lasting solution to a persistent challenge in healthcare delivery.
Event Details
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Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
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Time: 3:00 p.m.
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Location: Just Like Home Lodge site – 565 2nd Avenue, behind Yucalta Lodge
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Highlights: First Nations blessing, remarks from SRD and project partners, groundbreaking ceremony, photo opportunities
Parking is limited at the site. Guests are advised to use nearby street parking on 2nd Avenue or the gravel overflow lot by Yucalta Lodge.
