Healthcare accommodation facility near Campbell River Hospital expected to welcome guests in fall 2026
A major healthcare support project designed to help North Island residents stay close to loved ones during medical treatment is continuing to move forward, with construction of the Just Like Home Lodge on track for completion later this year.
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD), in partnership with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and Seymour Pacific Homes, is developing the Just Like Home Lodge next to North Island Hospital – Campbell River campus to provide a safe and supportive place for patients and caregivers traveling for specialized medical care.
The lodge is designed as a home-away-from-home for people from communities across North Vancouver Island and the Central Coast who must travel to Campbell River for services not available in their hometowns.
Reducing travel stress for North Island families
For many residents in smaller communities such as Sayward, Port McNeill, Port Hardy, and surrounding areas, accessing specialized healthcare often requires long travel times and overnight stays near the hospital.
The Just Like Home Lodge aims to ease that burden by offering affordable accommodation just steps away from the hospital, allowing families to stay together and focus on recovery and support rather than travel logistics and lodging costs. Evidence shows that patients often recover more effectively when loved ones are nearby, and the lodge is designed to support that connection.
The facility will include:
- 10 private sleeping rooms with washrooms
- communal living and gathering spaces
- large shared kitchen and dining area
- laundry and day-use facilities
- RV and guest parking
- comfortable shared spaces for families and caregivers
The Campbell River hospital currently serves 32 communities and approximately 57,000 patients across the region, highlighting the need for accessible accommodations close to care.
Construction progress and timeline
Recent progress updates from the Strathcona Regional District show the project is moving ahead on schedule, with major construction milestones already completed and the building beginning to take shape above ground.
The development includes both the Just Like Home Lodge and a Healthcare Workforce Housing component, which will add 20 self-contained rental units for medical professionals to help attract and retain doctors, nurses, and other essential staff in the region.
Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with plans to welcome guests in fall 2026 once the facility is ready for operation.
Strengthening healthcare across the region
The project is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare access and support for rural and coastal communities.
By providing accommodation for patients and families while also addressing healthcare workforce housing shortages, the lodge is expected to strengthen medical services across North Vancouver Island and the Central Coast.
The Strathcona Regional District says the facility will provide an important resource for patients, caregivers, and visiting medical professionals, helping ensure people can access care without the added stress of travel and accommodation challenges.
Community-supported initiative
The Just Like Home Lodge is funded through a partnership between regional government and community donors, with capital fundraising led by the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and operating support provided by the Strathcona Regional District.
Community donations and support have played a key role in moving the project forward, reflecting strong regional backing for a facility that will benefit families across the North Island.
Once complete, the lodge will offer a welcoming and affordable place for patients and loved ones to stay close during medical treatment — helping ensure that no one has to face healthcare challenges alone.
