Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Canada has announced $2.7 million for construction and development of a community and cultural centre at a long-term care home in Welland that will provide:
- training courses in French in fully equipped meeting and training spaces
- support and respite services in French for caregivers
- a cultural program, including community shows
- a social program including cooking classes and community barbecues
“The construction of this new community centre will give our Francophone community in Niagara Centre new momentum,” Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey. “Foyer Richelieu Welland continues to be a strong anchor for the community.
“I’m thrilled to announce this added investment of $2.7 million, totaling $4.7 million for this project, which will contribute to its growth, strengthening health and well-being, as well as our community’s French culture and heritage.”
Funding comes after an announcement in 2021 from the feds that $2 million would go toward the expansion, to double the number of long-term-care beds at the home to 128.
There will also be a 10-bed area operated by Hospice Niagara. Residence Richelieu, at the west end of the property, will remain intact with its 50 rooms, while the current Foyer Richelieu will be converted into supportive housing for the senior population with between 50 and 60 rooms.
The project will directly support Welland’s Francophone community.
Construction started in October 2020 and the federal government has provided more than $4.7 million through the Community Spaces Fund.
“This investment will improve our centre for another generation by preserving our culture and our language for Francophone seniors in Southern Ontario,” said Muriel Thibault-Gauthier, president of the board, Foyer Richelieu Welland.
Foyer Richelieu Welland is a non-profit organization located in Welland, on the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario. Its mission is to provide services to Francophones with long-term care needs.
