Harrison – The proposal for a seniors housing project in Harrison has received plenty of coverage in traditional and social media.
Everyone has an opinion. From the sublime to even the questionable. (Inferring that drugs and needles would be rampant in a seniors facility of its kind).
One of the main sore points is, only if approved, would be built in what is now overflow parking for tourists in Harrison.
On August 26, on social media, Laura Lanfranchi posted that she is walking away from the project: I have resigned from the Agassiz Harrison Community Services Board of Directors because I cannot support the Seniors’ Housing Project in its current form.While I believe there is a genuine need for appropriate housing to assist seniors to remain independent in Harrison Hot Springs, I do not feel that this project addresses the specific challenges faced by seniors in our community. My concern is that it may draw individuals from outside the community, thereby increasing the number of seniors struggling to maintain independence in a setting that already lacks adequate services. This could place additional strain on existing resources and ultimately disadvantage the very seniors we aim to serve.
Later on the same day, Sonja Reyerse-Peters posted: I have resigned from the Agassiz Harrison Community Services Board of Directors. This was not an easy decision, but it has become clear that the Society is moving in a direction with which I fundamentally disagree, pursuing initiatives that I cannot in good conscience support. Out of respect for the organization, its members, and my own values, I believe it is best to step aside.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have served on this Board and to have contributed to the important work of the Society. I wish the Board and the organization continued success in the future.
On a side note – this year marks 50 years of volunteer work for me (hard to believe!) My first volunteer role was as a Candy Striper at Richmond General Hospital – remember that role!
I want to send a big shout-out and heartfelt thank you to all the amazing volunteers out there. You give your time, your energy, your heart, and often time away from your families, all to make our communities better places to live. You’re the real heartbeat of our towns, and I’m so grateful for everything you do
Diane Janzen is the Executive Director of Agassiz Harrison Community Services and sent this response to FVN: AHCS thanks Laura for her service and wishes her all the best. We also look forward to discussing this project and hope to see everyone at the Community Engagement Forum on September 3 2025.
FYI Timeline from getintohaarrison.ca – Village of Harrison
- Summer/Fall 2026 this is an upcoming stage for Seniors’ Housing Project Next steps if funding awarded to project:
- Design and Consultation
- Municipal Permits
- Tender
- BC Housing Approval
- Winter 2026 this is an upcoming stage for Seniors’ Housing Project Proposed start on site after completion of:
- Design and Consultation
- Municipal Permits
- Tender
- BC Housing Approval
