British Columbia delays key health and housing projects in budget overhaul

British Columbia's latest budget has pushed back several major health and housing projects. The delays include seven long-term care developments and the second phase of Burnaby Hospital and Cancer Centre. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey called the move a 're-pacing' strategy to manage limited resources more effectively.

The province's capital spending is set to drop from a planned £20.4 billion to £18.7 billion by 2026. Further cuts will bring it down to £16.1 billion by 2028. These reductions come as the government adjusts its financial priorities.

The delays extend beyond healthcare, affecting student housing at the University of Victoria. Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt has raised concerns about the impact on elderly care. He warns that without enough long-term care beds, hospitals and emergency rooms will face increased strain.

Current projections suggest British Columbia will need around 25,000 long-term care beds by 2036. This marks a rise of about 7,000 from today's levels. Levitt estimates the province must build roughly 2,000 new beds each year to meet future demand.

The budget adjustments mean key infrastructure projects will take longer to complete. Hospitals and care facilities may struggle with higher patient loads in the meantime. The government insists the changes will help balance resources across ongoing developments.