BCGEU president Walker visits Oak Bay Lodge

Walker and component chair Francoeur discuss redevelopment project with members

BCGEU president Darryl Walker and Component 2 chair Susanne Francoeur visited members today at Oak Bay Lodge in Victoria to discuss the proposed redevelopment of the facility.

Oak Bay council will consider a variance application tonight on parking and the size of the lodge. 

Council was slated to decide November 14 on the developer’s formal application for variances to the height, set-back and parking of the new Oak Bay Lodge, tentatively renamed “Garry Oaks Village”, but opted to postpone the meeting until today and change to a larger venue after more than 200 people tried to cram into the council chambers.

The redevelopment project involves several proponents: Baptist Housing, who will manage the facility, Vancouver Island Health Authority (funding), Capital Regional Hospital District (ownership), and Patrick Cotter Architects (design). The project is still in proposal stage and does not yet have final approval from the province.

Component 2 chair, Susanne Francoeur said, “it’s important that we protect the jobs of our members at Oak Bay Lodge. That’s why we’re focused on ensuring that the lodge remain under control of the BC government and not transferred to another employer if proposal succeeds.”

"It's an old facility. But we see the quality of care people receive. There's a sense of community here. This is the type of facility we need," said president Walker.

BCGEU is watching the proposed redevelopment process to ensure members' rights are protected.

Oak Bay Lodge is a long-term care facility in Oak Bay. Approximately 250 BCGEU members work at the lodge.