NEW CEO TO LEAD MULTI-PHASE REDEVELOPMENT

KinVillage welcomes Dan Levitt, health leader, as its new CEO effective September 7, 2021.Dan Levitt has an extensive background on aging and seniors care as an international speaker, author, researcher, academic and as a health care leader in British Columbia.Levitt succeeds Donna Ellis who has led KinVillage as its CEO for the past eleven years. Ellis has been instrumental in developing KinVillage’s strategic directions and future vision that defines a multi-phase, multi-year master plan renewal and expansion of its housing, care programs and wellness services in response to changing and growing community needs. When the master plan is completed over the next 20 to 25 years, KinVillage will more than double the number of homes provided for older adults and younger people with disabilities, from 310 to almost 800 suites.As stated by Dennis DesLauriers, President of KinVillage’s Board of Directors: “KinVillage has had the privilege of working over the past decade with Donna Ellis who has been instrumental in confirming our place as a leader in seniors care, housing, and wellness in the community and region. We are delighted to welcome Dan Levitt to continue providing leadership excellence, especially as we move towards a new era of prolonged growth and redevelopment.” KinVillage is currently planning the North Court redevelopment, a 152-suite building, as the first phase of its master plan. It will significantly increase the level of affordable housing that KinVillage provides and begin addressing the growing waiting list of those who want to live here. The North Court redevelopment also presents KinVillage with the immediate opportunity to move and expand its popular and over-subscribed Day Program for Older Adults.This project will include a significant investment by government, and with the anticipated support of the surrounding community through A Caring Community for Seniors, a capital campaign will launch following Levitt’s arrival. This expansion in KinVillage’s impact comes at a pivotal moment with the heightened recognition of the importance of seniors’ programs given our aging society, and the concerns arising from the serious consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality healthcare and housing for seniors, and supports to combat social isolation and loneliness and to encourage independence and choice are critical matters throughout British Columbia and across Canada. Nearly one-third of all Canadians are defined as seniors, with over 40% of the residents in South Delta in this growing demographic. The pandemic has highlighted the extreme consequences of failing to provide adequate care and support for vulnerable populations, including seniors.