Keeping Loved Ones Close,
When It Matters Most.
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HEAL FASTER
Evidence supports claims that patients heal faster and more effectively when their loved ones are nearby to support them.
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STAY TOGETHER
Loved ones can provide patients with much-needed support when staying together.
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BOND WITH OTHERS
Caregivers that share experiences and bond with others, while supporting their loved ones also benefit from personal support systems and relationships that can last a lifetime.
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REDUCE TRAVEL NEEDS AND COSTS
Daily travel needs and associated costs experienced by patients and their loved ones seeking medical care at the Campbell River Hospital can be significantly reduced.
About
“This home would have made all the difference in the world when David was hospitalized.
Something affordable, not having to worry about check-in or check-outs and knowing that you were
going somewhere familiar, as we never knew what we would be up against.” - Family of David Ramsay
Just steps away from the Campbell River Hospital, the Just Like Home Lodge is a safe haven for patients and loved ones who find themselves traveling to Campbell River for specialized care or procedures that they cannot receive in their communities.
Currently, the Campbell River Hospital serves 32 communities on North Vancouver Island and the Central Coast, with approximately 57,000 patients. With a growing and aging population, the hospital is the first referral point for specialized care.
During moments of crisis, substantial travel time daily combined with finding appropriate accommodation near the hospital, can contribute to increased emotional and economic stress. Just Like Home will be a home-away-from-home, where loved ones can support each other and bond with others through shared experiences together in their times of need.
This beautiful lodge with all the comforts of home will feature:
Ten separate sleeping rooms with private washrooms
A comfortable communal living space
A large modern shared kitchen
Day use common and shower facilities
Guest laundry facilities
RV parking
& more
The Need
Most recent statistics show the following services used frequently by communities of North Vancouver Island and the Central Coast:
In-Patient Care – 18%
Emergency Department Visits (not admitted) – 10%
Medical Day Care – 22%
Medical Imaging (X-Ray, Bone Density, Breast Imaging & Screening, MRI, and Ultrasound) – 16%
Ambulatory Care (Cancer Care Clinic, Cardiac Rehab, Heart Function, Diabetes Education, Pacemaker, and Positive Wellness Clinics) – 14%
Surgeries – 18%
“People need their loved ones near to help them heal… They are my world.” - Lisa
NEWS
MARCH 26, 2025 NEWS - SRD Reaches Major Milestone in Transformative Healthcare Housing Project
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is delighted to announce a significant milestone in the expansion of the Just Like Home (JLH) Lodge, a vital patient and caregiver healthcare accommodation initiative. A partnership has been established to build the JLH Lodge and the newly incorporated Healthcare Workforce Housing addition to the complex, ensuring improved access to essential healthcare services while addressing critical workforce housing needs in the region.
The Just Like Home Lodge, a comforting home-away-from-home for patients and their loved ones traveling to Campbell River for healthcare unavailable in their communities is expanding to include a Healthcare Workforce Housing apartment style facility. This vital addition will provide essential accommodations for healthcare professionals providing services in the community to help attract and retain medical professionals in the region. This exciting expansion will create 20 separate self-contained units dedicated to healthcare professionals providing services in the community, in recognition of the need to strengthen this region’s healthcare system.
“This project reflects the SRD Board’s dedication to community well-being and our commitment to enhancing healthcare access and housing options for our medical professionals,” said SRD Board Chair, Mark Baker. “The expanded facility will offer a safe, supportive environment for patients and their families while also meeting the urgent need for workforce housing.”
The SRD is pleased to announce a partnership with the Mailman Family’s Broadstreet Properties Ltd./Seymour Pacific Homes, a local company known for its expertise in quality housing development and ongoing generous commitment to supporting the needs of the community. The SRD and Broadstreet Properties Ltd./Seymour Pacific Homes, are finalizing the project design with construction expected to be complete for a grand opening celebration in the summer of 2026.
“We are honoured to be part of such a meaningful project that will make a real difference in the lives of patients and healthcare workers in our region,” said Kris Mailman, CEO of Broadstreet Properties Ltd./Seymour Pacific Homes, “Our family has always been deeply committed to supporting our communities, and we are excited to bring this vision to life, creating a space that fosters comfort, support, and well-being.”
The refined concept includes:
10 independent Just Like Home Lodge rooms with a communal living space, shared kitchen, day room facilities and laundry facilities.
20 fully self-contained Workforce Housing units, offering a mix of, Bachelor, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom options, each equipped with in-house laundry, with some featuring private balconies.
The SRD established the Just Like Home service in 2019 in partnership with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation (CRHF) to provide lodging support for North Island residents accessing medical care at the Campbell River Hospital and associated facilities. Since its inception, the need for healthcare workforce accommodation has become increasingly apparent.
“The Campbell River Hospital Foundation has raised $1.9M toward the capital funding for Just like Home and continues to work toward its $2M goal,” said Tyson Lambert, Chair of the CRHF. “The need for this type of facility is significant and we are proud to be part of a project that will ease the burden of travel and accommodation for both patients and their families while they seek the medical care they need in our Hospital.”
This exciting partnership between SRD, the CR Hospital Foundation, and the Mailman Family will have a lasting, positive impact on the region. It highlights the strength of collaboration, uniting local organizations, families, and visionaries to create something truly transformative for the community. The benefits of this initiative will be felt for years to come, improving access to care and strengthening the healthcare workforce, with the facility set to open in the summer of 2026.
gallery
Boni & Family
David & Family
David & Hiltje
David
Front entrance of Just Like Home Lodge - rendering (appearance may vary)
Workforce Housing - rendering (appearance may vary)
Parking - rendering (appearance may vary)
Perspective - view from hospital parking (appearance may vary)
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Just Like Home Lodge when operational and ready to welcome guests.
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Capital costs estimated at $2 million will be fundraised through the Campbell River Hospital Foundation. This includes the cost for the building, parking, furnishings, laundry/storage, internet technology, security cameras, and other contingency costs.
All ongoing operating costs will be provided through the Strathcona Regional District.
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The SRD is the owner/operator of the lodge and the Campbell River Hospital Foundation is kindly providing capital fundraising for the build.
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Construction will commence as soon as the capital fundraising is near completion.
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The lodge will be just steps away to the Campbell River Hospital, accessible through the Yucalta Lodge driveway.
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There will be a modest charge for those accessing the Just Like Home Lodge (fee yet to be determined). Should patients require additional subsidies they are asked to contact the Lodge prior to their stay.
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Stay referrals will be provided by nurse/practitioners as the Lodge will be unable to accept walk-ins.
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The Just Like Home Lodge welcomes patients and loved ones that find themselves having to travel to Campbell River for specialized care or procedures that they cannot receive in their communities.
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The lodge is for out-patients and their family members/loved ones that require overnight accommodation while receiving medical care from the Campbell River Hospital.
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Children’s Health Foundation’s Q̓ʷalayu House officially opened July 2021 and has been established for families travelling to Campbell River for their children’s health care. In the rare instance that Q̓ʷalayu House is overcapacity, consideration will be given if there are rooms available at the Just Like Home Lodge.
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Stays are based on availability and due to the unpredictable nature of guests situations, we will be unable to confirm rooms until 24 hours in advance. Room requests can be made at any time but can only be guaranteed 24 hours prior to arrival.
Those who are having to find alternate accommodations due to lack of availability will remain on a waitlist and will be offered a room when it becomes available.
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A day use room will be available for family members who are not staying at Just Like Home Lodge. Nurse/practitioners will provide referrals for family members needing access to the day use room. Walk-ins will not be permitted. This room will provide a break from the hospital environment and will offer respite and connection with other patients/family members in similar situations.
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Medical assistance will not be provided and if required then patients will remain in hospital care.
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Yes, visitors will be welcome but reminded that this is a shared space and should always be respectful of others.
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Pets will not be allowed in the Lodge. Certified dogs and service dogs only will be accommodated.
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Yes, there will be complimentary parking at the lodge for registered guests as well as limited designated RV parking.
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The lodge will have a large, shared guest-use kitchen for guests to store and make their own meals.
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No. Children under the age of 19 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Make a donation.
Capital costs estimated at $2 million will be fundraised through the Campbell River Hospital Foundation. This includes the cost for the building, parking, furnishings, laundry/storage, internet technology, security cameras and other contingency costs. All ongoing operating costs will be provided through the Strathcona Regional District.
With your support, loved ones can spend more time together when they need each other the most. All donations and support for this project is appreciated.
Ways to Donate:
Make a one-time donation by cash, credit card or cheque. Mail to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation (note Just Like Home Lodge), #375 - 2nd Ave, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 3V1
Consider leaving a gift in your will.
Give a gift in tribute of someone special.
Consider holding a fundraiser to raise funds.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE:
Make a lasting difference for families and their loved ones.
Spaces for naming recognition are available for gifts of the following amounts:
$10,000+ Lodge Entrance "Wall of Honour"
$25,000+ Laundry Room or Day Use Shower Area
$35,000+ Shared Dining, Kirchen or Living Space
$50,000+ Guest Room
Contact us.
For further information, please contact:
Campbell River Hospital Foundation
Location: 375 - 2nd Avenue, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 3V1
Phone: 250-286-7164
Email: info@crhospitalfoundation.ca
