Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction has started on a new 128-bed long-term care home in Port Stanley, marking a significant step in the Ontario government’s efforts to enhance care for seniors across the province. The new facility, being developed by Extendicare, is set to improve long-term care capacity in the region and provide modern, safe living spaces for residents.
“This is a great milestone for Port Stanley,” Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, said in a statement. “Congratulations to Extendicare Port Stanley on the redevelopment of their home. Our government is working to fix long-term care by building capacity where it is needed most. When this new facility is complete, 128 residents will have a safe and modern place to call home.”
The project will add 68 new beds and 60 redeveloped beds to the community, with the first residents expected to move in by early 2027. The facility will feature a two-storey building designed with four 32-bed resident home areas (RHAs), each designed to provide a more intimate and comfortable environment for residents. These areas will include dedicated dining and activity spaces, lounges, and bedrooms, creating a homelike atmosphere for residents.
Planned amenities include outdoor spaces, a guest lounge, a country kitchen, and private dining rooms for visitors. The second floor will be equipped with a hair salon, chapel, and physiotherapy support area to assist residents’ well-being.
“This is an exciting day for our community,” said MPP Rob Flack. “Our government is committed to accelerating the construction of long-term care homes to ensure that our seniors receive the care and support they deserve.”
The Port Stanley project is one of many long-term care initiatives supported by the Ontario government’s Construction Funding Subsidy top-up, part of the province’s plan to build or redevelop 58,000 new long-term care beds over the coming years. As of November 2024, 115 projects have received approval or are underway, totaling 18,823 new and redeveloped beds.
The government has also introduced several new measures to speed up construction, including modernizing its funding model, utilizing surplus lands to build long-term care homes, and partnering with hospitals to leverage hospital-owned land for long-term care development in urban areas. These steps are designed to address the growing demand for long-term care services across Ontario.
