BCNDP MLAs celebrate important milestone at Guru Nanak Diversity Village Long Term Care project bringing care closer to seniors in Surrey
SURREY – On Friday, Surrey BCNDP MLAs celebrated the completion of the roof at Guru Nanak Diversity Village Long Term Care, an important milestone that brings this 125-bed long term care home closer to completion.
“This facility will give seniors a safe, welcoming, and culturally respectful place to live, right here in Surrey,” said Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey City Centre. “It’s a proud moment for our community, and I’m excited to see Surrey seniors and families benefit from this home next year.”
Guru Nanak Diversity Village, operated by Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS), will be open to all seniors in need of long-term care and will provide culturally sensitive services to people who identify as South Asian.
The care community is designed as neighbourhoods accommodating nine to 24 residents each in single-bed rooms with bathrooms, and includes the social and recreational spaces found in a typical home, such as a living room, dining room, kitchen, and outdoor space.
“This project is a great example of what we can achieve through collaboration,” said Garry Begg, MLA for Surrey – Guildford. “With support from PICS Society, Fraser Health, and BC Housing, this $118 million in provincial financing for Surrey health care is helping shape our community to one that meets the needs of our growing and diverse senior population.”
Guru Nanak Diversity Village is a result of a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Fraser Health, BC Housing and the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS).
This builds on government investments of approximately $3.5 billion over the last five years to improve care for seniors, including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care, assisted living, and respite services.
Quotes:
Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey – Fleetwood:
“As Surrey continues to grow, so does the need for long term care that understands their community members and makes them feel safe. Guru Nanak Diversity Village will provide seniors with the comfort of familiar food, language, and community, helping them age with dignity and joy.”
Jessie Sunner, MLA for Surrey – Newton:
“The Guru Nanak Diversity Village is a promise to our elders that they will be cared for in a place that truly feels like home: where they can eat the food they’re used to, speak their language, and celebrate their cultural traditions. When care reflects people’s cultures and lived experiences, it leads to better outcomes and a stronger sense of belonging. This project reflects that vision and is designed to meet the needs of the community it serves.”
Satbir S. Cheema, President & CEO of PICS Society:
“We are deeply grateful to the BC Government, Fraser Health, BC Housing, our generous donors, media and community partners for their support in making Guru Nanak Diversity Village a reality. Completing this major milestone brings us one step closer to opening a long-term senior home built on compassion, dignity, and cultural inclusion”