The Villa Cathay Care Home Society is incorporated as a non-profit organization under the BC Society Act and a Canadian Registered Charitable Organization. Since 1978, we have provided culturally focused care to Chinese seniors in the Strathcona Chinatown neighbourhood in Vancouver.
Vision
To become a model of excellence in the care home industry by providing compassionate, professional, and safe care for seniors in a people-centred environment that maintains their dignity and promotes their holistic wellness.
Mission
To provide VCCH residents with compassionate, professional, and culturally focused care that honours their dignity and individuality.
Values
Our work and organizational culture are guided by the principles of compassion, respect, dignity, well-being, and innovation.
Our Story: A Century of Care and Community
Where the Story Began
Compassion grew where care was once denied.
Nearly a century ago, Chinese immigrants in Vancouver faced immense barriers to health care. Many had helped build this city — working on the railway, in mines, or in service — yet encountered institutional and social barriers when seeking care in hospitals.
Seeing this need, Archbishop Timothy Casey invited the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Montreal to establish a hospital where Chinese immigrant workers could receive compassionate, culturally understanding care.
A New Beginning
From loss came a renewed purpose.
Over time, the hospital at 236 Campbell Avenue evolved into the Oriental Home, becoming a vital refuge for elderly Chinese immigrants. When the City of Vancouver expropriated the site in 1972, founding members of the Villa Cathay Care Home Society stepped in to ensure that care for the residents could continue while a new, purpose-built facility was planned.
From this shared compassion came the inception of Villa Cathay Care Home Society. With purpose and determination, the founding board members secured land and government support, opening Villa Cathay Care Home at 970 Union Street in 1978 — the first long-term care home in BC designed to honour Chinese language, food, and traditions.
Every corner reflected care and culture: from the Dragon Wall in the garden and the fishpond, to cultural murals and the warmth of daily interactions that felt like home.
Growing with Our Residents
Adapting care as our community’s needs shifted.
Through the decades, Villa Cathay grew alongside the community it served. By the early 2000s, more residents relied on wheelchairs — a clear reminder that our care environment had to evolve to meet changing needs.
Rejuvenation and Renewal
Honouring our past, building for the future.
After years of advocacy, the Rejuvenation Project began in 2016 in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Housing. The project rebuilt Villa Cathay on its original site, allowing residents to stay in their home and experience minimal disruption throughout construction.
In November 2019, 122 residents moved into a brand-new East Tower filled with long-awaited joy and gratitude. Many said the new home felt like a dream they never expected to live to see.
I did not imagine that I could move into a brand-new space at this age, after I entered a care home. This dream come true seemed surreal — but it has happened.”
— Villa Cathay Resident, 2019 Rejuvenation Move-In
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the second phase was completed in October 2021. The new Villa Cathay features wheelchair-accessible single-resident suites, private washrooms with shower facilities, and welcoming small neighbourhoods designed to foster a sense of community and connection.
The new home was intentionally created to welcome the broader community — a place where families, volunteers, and community partners can be part of daily life — and to support every resident in continuing their chosen lifestyle, staying active, and living with purpose.
Countinuing Our Mission
Rooted in culture, growing through care.
Through every transformation, our mission has remained constant: to provide people-centred, culturally rooted care in a home-like environment that upholds each person’s dignity and sense of belonging.
Our goal is to continue setting a benchmark for culturally oriented long-term care — demonstrating how respect, dignity, and cultural understanding are fundamental to people-centred elder care, today and for generations to come.
