A proposed long-term care facility in Lantzville has passed third reading for OCP and zoning bylaw amendments, with Island Health needing an exemption for building height and other factors. (Image Credit: Island Health)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

bylaw amendments

‘The right thing to do:’ red tape around proposed Lantzville long-term care centre clears

Jan 15, 2026 | 4:10 PM

LANTZVILLE — Support was unanimous, albeit somewhat muted, for zoning amendments which will allow construction of a much-needed long-term care facility to proceed.

District of Lantzville councillors held a public hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 14, leading into third reading of Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw amendments, related to a six-storey long-term care facility proposed for 6910 Lantzville Rd., across from May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park.

Mayor Mark Swain echoed many sentiments from councillors and those presenting to the public hearing, stating the facility was sorely needed, and this was the best possible, and available, location.

“Where else are you going to find eight acres of relatively flat land to construct on in our area that’s relatively accessible without going on to the boonies or sticks? I think we have lucked out, and it just so happens to be in our community, and we should be proud of that,” Swain said.

Initially pitched as a three-storey complex of multiple buildings when the project was first announced in 2023, cost pressures saw the Island Health-led project revised.

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The 306-beds will now be six storeys, in two main buildings, requiring a handful of zoning changes related to building height.

Updated estimates haven’t been announced, but initial costs for the build were expected to be $289 million.

Coun. Rachelle Mundell said wherever the facility goes, it would cause some disruption, however it’s a desperately needed service.

“Is it going to be the perfect fit anywhere it goes? Probably not. There are going to be some challenges and some implications and some things that we don’t like or that the neighbourhood isn’t entirely satisfied with, but I think that this proposal has done the best they could with the constraints that they’re working within.”

Several residents spoke at Wednesday’s public hearing supporting the project, but expressing concerns about the build.

Hans Larsson, a nearby Owen Rd. resident, was resigned to the fact there was little the District or residents could do to change the size and scope of the project.

“With little time and even fewer options, it is the right thing to do. I believe that Lantzville will experience the negative impacts, beginning with the construction, which I’ve repeatedly highlighted to you all, and all who would listen, but the provincial government has allowed the health care system to fall into such a state that we’re really left with no choice.”

He added smaller facilities appear not to be favoured by Island Health, even with considerable incentives offered by the District if they were built in the village centre.

Grant Landsell said he was fully supportive of the development, but worried about impacts to neighbouring properties and quality of life.

“The height of the building exceeds that of the existing tree buffer between the development and the adjacent residential properties. This raises concerns about reduced sun exposure, increased light pollution and a loss of privacy for nearby homes in our neighbourhood.”

A proposed pathway for residents of the facility through the wooded area between properties was also highlighted as a potential issue for neighbour privacy.

Dr. Robin Love, a renowned palliative care physician, said the facility was not just about providing long-term care spaces, but also easing burden at the oversubscribed Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

He said wait times for a space in long-term care locally are upwards of two years.

“This project would dramatically reduce that long-term care waiting list and also the hospital, almost every day, is 50 to 100 patients over census, meaning more than we have beds for, so all those people are in the hallways and cupboards and closets and this will make a big difference for that.”

Construction for the facility was initially slated to wrap by 2027, however Island Health confirmed the target will not be met due to the redesign.

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