About 200 people marched down Smithers’ Main Street calling for more seniors housing on Saturday. (June 15th)
The march started near the Fourth Avenue intersection and ended at Bovil Square.
March Organizer Carol Morris said she was pleased with the turnout.
“So many people of every age have showed up with little kids on their decorated bikes, people in wheelchairs, all the young people and the senior citizens, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude that everybody came,” she said.
Following the march, current and running politicians expressed that the need has been heard.
“From the town’s perspective, I appreciate the numbers that Dave has given. Those numbers ring true to me,” said Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill.
She added the town has been working with Northern Health and the province on the issue.
“As many crises do, they sneak up on you a little bit but there’s also known,” said Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen.
“The wait lists get longer; we hear the stories of people in hospital that don’t want to be. They want to be in long term care,” he added.
“I can’t think of a more important expression of community than coming together and advocating for the care, concern and dignity that seniors in our town deserve,” said Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach.
A similar sentiment was shared by Christian Heritage Party leader Rod Taylor, BC Conservative Stikine Candidate Sharon Hartwell, and Skeena MLA and Federal Conservative Skeena-Bulkley Valley Candidate Ellis Ross.
For Morris, she wanted parties to commit towards working on getting a new or expanded facility.
“We want backhoes to go in the ground and we want tomorrow to start building something for the senior citizens in the whole Bulkley Valley,” she said.
The march was put on by the Smithers Seniors Housing Collaborative.
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