Lighthouse Villa successfully opened the doors – March 1st 2026
It was a great day for moving – the sun was out, the smiles were happening. Lighthouse Villa is now open and many senior residents are loving their new home!
Chek News popped by as they heard about our awesome community project. Here’s the link: ‘Proud moment’: Bowser opens up low-income seniors housing
Thank you to all who contributed their time, their dollars, their art and their kindness in making this dream of Bowser a reality.
This feat could not be accomplished if it weren’t for the tenacity, passion, knowledge and drive of our amazing Project Chair – Carol Cannon. She pushed through many barriers and bureaucratic tape to get the project funding, and then worked tirelessly for months/years in driving the project forward with design, development, government protocols, waterway/septic logistics and a myriad of other complexities. While managing the many tactical requirements of the Project, Carol is also the Treasurer of BSHS, managing budgets, funding audits, non-profit compliancy requirements and the like – all while ALSO dedicated to the many fundraising tasks throughout the year. Thank you Carol for your perseverance and dedication!!!!!!
A big thank-you as well to Dick Stubbs and Bob Whittaker who were our construction representatives where they spent (and still spend!) many hours on site ensuring the construction development flowed smoothly and finishing details are done for Lighthouse Villa that were not in scope for Saywell construction.
Eileen Beadle, our Fundraising chair is also a massive contributor to our success – driving forth a campaign of fundraising that brought in over $500k towards our dream. That’s a mighty hefty sum for a community of less than 2000! BC Housing took real notice when they realized our community’s commitment to building Lighthouse Villa. Eileen mastered many logistical elements to putting on a fundraising Gala for hundreds of people, obtaining hundreds of donations for our online auctions, and coordinating the needs Bowser Hot Dog Sales for the community. Eileen has also been hands on in learning BC Housing Policy, developing supportive Lighthouse Villa policy, as well as designing and outfitting the interior of our new residence. Walking into Lighthouse Villa, you immediately sense that someone who really cares, has furnished it with beautifully donated art work and calming colours.
Our President Laurie Basok, wore many hats, not only running our non profit, but also coordinating our 60+ Volunteers to the many fundraising activities such as hot dog days, Sandcastle days, Bike BC days. Always willing to step up and help out wherever she could. Laurie is there to always assist in every aspect, whether its helping to write policies, obtain donations for fundraising or provide feedback on communications (her teacher days came in very handy!)
Kathy Norman, also on the board of directors and our Operations Prime, worked tirelessly on many policies, procedures, BC Housing Requirements and a litany of detailed requirements to build a comprehensive Handbook for our residents and Property Manager. That task alone was years of effort!
Don Millburn – our Society’s VP – is a steward of governorship. His deep insights into property management as well as legal council was so valuable in ensuring we are not only protecting our new residents, but also the society that generously donates their time to this amazing project.
Our lovely Laurel Webster – has managed our BSHS Membership portfolio – ensuring locals have the opportunity to keep up with our progress, as well as maintaining a presence at Sunday Breakfasts and fundraisers. Laurel also played a big part in providing input and feedback on the many policies and tasks that kept us busy over the years.
Amanda Wilson, with her great smile and positive attitude, kept us all organized by being secretary to the many minutes, notes, communications and annual general meeting updates throughout the years.
A big hug of appreciation also goes to former directors of Bowser Seniors Housing: Elizabeth Heironymi, Evelyn Foot, Dick Stubbs, Lore Brewer, Lori McWilliams, Leigh-Ann Mehan, Debbie Burrows, Wenda Breitkrewtz, Pat Branch, John Pray, Doug Shewan, Melanie Young, Judy Dickson, Lorraine Lindenbach, Bryan Fisher, Val Lambert, Shirley Forsberg, Melinda Pope, Jill Pierzykowski, Victor Duevdum, Lynn Wood and Christo Kaun. Thats 20+ years of effort – all germinating from an idea that the Bowser Legion had over 2 decades ago!
Our legion of volunteers (literally some from the legion lol) were instrumental in executing our fundraising goals. Over 60 volunteers helped with Hot Dog dinners, Gala set up, delivery and take down, donation submissions and attendance at Bike BC and Parksville Sandcastle Ambassador events. We are so fortunate to have such a great team!
This is me, Julie Newton, below in the pic. I joined the board 6 years ago and became quickly enmeshed in the many strategies that made Lighthouse Villa a reality. Lots of fundraising activities, lots of dialogue on policies and many updates on our website keeping people abreast of our progress. On March 1st when we opened our doors and I met many new residents, it really sunk in how much we were affecting peoples lives for the better. As humans we all want a safe and dignified existence at our core. Being able to help those that are aging find that, has been a humbling and rewarding experience. So much gratitude to all that participated in working towards this goal. <3
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