The Squamish Chief

Senior citizens, a growing demographic in B.C., may face an increasingly strained housing environment in the years ahead, despite having unique needs that require greater investment by public, private and non-profit housing and care providers.

As of 2020, 19 per cent of British Columbians were 65 or older, a group totalling nearly 986,000 people, according to BC Stats. By 2041, almost 25 per cent of B.C. residents are projected to be seniors—more than 1.6 million people in total.

Many elderly residents require assistance with housekeeping, laundry, meals, mobility, hygiene or the activities of daily living, but experts anticipate a shortage of housing that supports the special challenges of old age.

“When the baby-boomer cohort starts looking around at senior housing, there will be a dramatic change in the marketplace and what people will expect, ranging from long-term care to end-of-life care,” said Dan Levitt, Seniors Advocate of B.C. “We’re in for a ride here.” Read more…

First Nations developments have long horizons and require rock-solid partnerships, leaders say

The Squamish Chief

A recent panel of First Nations developers highlighted the significant horizon of their real estate projects and their goal to optimize relationships with business partners who share the same vision, values and priorities.

During a Thursday luncheon at Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel hosted by the Urban Development Institute, three First Nations leaders said they are taking great care to build long-term alignments on their path toward economic reconciliation and economic sovereignty.

The leaders said their nations’ presence dates back thousands of years, so they are in no hurry and will patiently cultivate close partnerships and leverage them to support current and future generations of their communities. Read more…