More housing spaces for families travelling to Vancouver for children’s specialized care

THE Province announced on Saturday that it is breaking down financial barriers with a $20-million contribution to Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon that will double housing spaces for families travelling to Vancouver for their children’s specialized care.

“We want patients accessing care close to home, but when they can’t, we need to make sure they are well-supported,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Health. “With our investment, we’re removing financial and logistical barriers so families can focus on their children’s health and well-being for as long as they need to without being separated.”

The provincial investment will go toward adding 75 self-contained studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites designed for longer stays and larger families, along with community and support spaces.

“Public investments are about being there for people when they need most support,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Finance. “When your child needs specialized care far from home, the last thing you should have to worry about is finding a place to stay or managing added costs. This investment will help ease some of that stress, so more families can stay together and focus on the well-being of their child.”

In 2025, Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon supported more than 1,700 families from more than 145 communities throughout British Columbia. Families travelled an average of 498 kilometers to access care, including 33% from the Interior, 26% from northern B.C. and 21% from Vancouver Island.

“With this investment, families, especially those living in rural and remote communities, will be able to stay with their children for as long as they need to without worrying about paying for housing in Vancouver,” said Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities. “This will take a big financial burden off the shoulders of families, allowing them to focus on their children’s well-being.”

Construction is expected to begin in three to four months. Willow House will start welcoming families in early 2029.

“Ronald McDonald House makes a world of a difference for families who must travel from across the province to BC Children’s Hospital for their children’s medical care,” said Christine Boyle, MLA for Vancouver-Little Mountain. “I am proud to support this investment that will help double the capacity of housing spaces for families in Vancouver.”

The provincial investment adds to the collective financial support from all levels of government, community, and health-care and philanthropic partners committed to building Willow House for future generations.

“This investment means the Province understands that when a child needs specialized care in Vancouver, the impact is felt by an entire family and by the community they call home,” said Richard Pass, CEO, Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon. “We are grateful to the Province for their commitment to supporting families across B.C. and look forward to continuing our work with the Province and our donors and partners to bring this important project to life.”

In 1983, Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon opened its doors in Shaughnessy. The original 13-bedroom house provided support for sick kids and families needing to travel long distances to receive specialized care only found in Vancouver. Over the years, the demand for the essential service quickly grew beyond what the house could offer. Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon now exists as a 73-bedroom house in Vancouver, as well as family rooms in Surrey, Kamloops and Prince George, with even more services available for families. It is built on the belief that keeping the family together is an essential part of healing children with serious illnesses.