The British Columbia NDP government has spent nearly $100 million on the second phase of the Burnaby Hospital expansion and seven long-term care facilities, all of which are now on indefinite hold, according to provincial records.
Contracts Cancelled or Paused
Last week, the province announced the cancellation of contracts for Phase 2 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment and several long-term care homes in Kelowna, Fort St. John, Delta, Abbotsford, and Mission. The status of long-term care projects in Squamish and Campbell River remains uncertain.
Political Criticism
Misty Van Popta, the Conservative infrastructure critic, questioned the government's justification for the cancellations, which cited cost overruns of hundreds of millions for the hospital and $1.8 million per bed for long-term care homes. She noted that some health authorities, like Fraser Health, have reduced costs to as low as $1.4 million per bed.
“It was an easy target, when you can pull this egregious number out of the air with no verifiable backup,” Van Popta said. “I asked the minister specifically which projects came in at $1.8 million per bed and when, and she did not answer that question.”
Budget Breakdown
A Postmedia News review of the 2026 budget reveals $45 million spent on Burnaby Hospital Phase 2 and $51 million on long-term care homes, including $25 million for Abbotsford, $15 million for Delta, $8 million for Chilliwack, $2 million for Kelowna Cottonwoods, and $1 million for Campbell River.
Community Impact
Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove expressed frustration, stating that the province had assured him the 200-bed long-term care facility would proceed, only to cancel the contract the next day. “The land has been purchased, it’s sitting empty. Obviously, the need is huge,” he said. “You can certainly cancel projects, but folks aren’t going to stop getting older.”
Seniors advocate Dan Levitt emphasized that these projects are critically needed as the population ages. An additional $319 million raised by outside donors remains in limbo, with contributors uncertain about refunds.
Government Response
Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma stated in question period that the government is working to control costs and could not justify paying $1.8 million per bed. “Taxpayers expect more from their investments, and we need to deliver more,” she said. However, critics argue that the spending already incurred represents a significant waste of public funds.
