Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario and federal governments have teamed up to provide more than $3.1 million in one-time funding to the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf in Barrie to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at the long-term care facility.
“What it does is that it really enhances the air quality within the building by exchanging air with the outside and putting in fresh air, and upping the air quality within the building,” says Board of Director’s chair Derek Rumball.
The current system is 15 years old and has required extensive repairs.
“It is definitely in need of technological upgrading,” Rumball said.
The Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf is home to 64 residents and employs about 100. It’s the only long-term care facility in Canada which is specifically designed to meet the needs of deaf seniors. Emphasis is placed on communication and eliminating the isolation many deaf seniors experience, while also offering services to hearing seniors.
“With this funding, the seniors who helped build this country to what it is today, deserve the type of respect and honour we can give them to live in comfort and dignity,” said Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard.