Snug Cove House Update - December 2024
Exciting News !! the story continues and Snug Cove House is being built!!
The motion to approve B.C. Housing's construction loan and to move ahead with the building of Snug Cove House was unanimously approved by the members of Snug Cove House Society at its Annual General Meeting held on November 23rd, 2024.
The excavation and blasting of rock is completed and the footings poured. The Trades are scheduled and the building's interior finishes are being finalized. It's happening and we are so excited!!
Graham Ritchie presented at a meeting of SKY (Seniors Keeping Young) on the progress and vision of Snug Cove House Society, which sparked interest amongst those present and we are happy to see our waiting list grow. Please contact us at info@snugcovehouse.com for information and/or to put your name on the wait list.
The Story - the beginning
Snug Cove House Society has a long history of supporting seniors on Bowen. After recognizing the need for safe housing options that support seniors, the people of Bowen Island raised funds and purchased 1.2 acres next to Bowen’s only seniors’ housing cooperative, Bowen Court, on Miller Road.
Architectural plans were completed for a 24-unit residence. However, when the project came in over budget, we were forced to cancel. Amazingly, we were approached by an experienced, reputable general contractor who had read our disappointing story in the Undercurrent. He was convinced that, with a few changes, he could build Snug Cove House within our budget. For the past twelve months we have been working with him and the subcontractors to bring Snug Cove House within the construction budget.
Challenges
- Cove Water: Vancouver Coast Health requires a higher standard of water quality for a seniors’ residence than currently exists. If the Cove Water Treatment Plant continues to be non-operational, a point of entry water filtration system will be installed at Snug Cove House. This will satisfy Vancouver Coastal Health regarding water quality.
- Operational Financing: We have developed a five-year operational plan and, knowing that full occupancy does not happen immediately, additional funds will be required to operate Snug Cove House in the first few years. Fund raising will be necessary to support the initial operation of the residence.
Watch for our next update, it’s an exciting time!!
Snug Cove House will be a seniors’ residence designed to support islanders who want to stay on Bowen Island, continue to be involved in the community, remain connected to family and friends, and be able to access assistance, if and when needed, thereby extending their independence.
Snug Cove House is an initiative of the Snug Cove House Society, a non-profit charity dedicated to the well-being of Bowen seniors. Now our plans are very close to being realised!
The 33,500 SF Snug Cove House Seniors’ Residence is planned, the Miller Road building site is largely ready for construction, and all services are connected. Securing operational financing is the next phase to bring Snug Cove House to completion.
For more information or to place your name, the name of a friend or relative, on our waiting list, please Contact Us.
We expect that the residence will open its doors 21 months after construction begins. We will welcome individuals and couples to Snug Cove House with 24 independent rental suites offering the all inclusive services of 3 home cooked meals daily, weekly housekeeping & flat linen service, 24 hour emergency response and a full recreation program. The Snug Cove House community looks forward to a grand opening in 2026.
For more information or to place your name, or the name of a relative or friend, on our Waiting List, please Contact Us.