Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction has started on a new 192-bed Missanabie Cree Maskwa Elders Care Home in Sault Ste. Marie.
“It’s not going to be just 192 beds for Missanabie Cree members – it’s going to be for elders of the Sault Ste. Marie community,” Missanabie Cree First Nation Chief Jason Gauthier told Soo Today, following a ground-breaking ceremony last week.
The Ontario government will pay to increase the number of beds by 64 at the new facility.
An agreement with the province allows the operator to obtain a $4-million initial development grant and ensures $51 million of equity and debt financing will be backstopped by the government.
Beds will be operated on a 50-50 split, with half dedicated to Indigenous elders.
“This is a huge step forward for long-term care in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Ontario’s Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney.
Currently there are 376 new and 160 upgraded long-term care beds in development, under construction or completed in Sault Ste. Marie.
“The Missanabie Cree-Maskwa Elders Care facility will be welcoming to all of the seniors in need of care in our community and region, and will be designed and operated to ensure that the culture and unique needs of our Indigenous residents and their families are provided for,” the chief said.