The Government of Ontario announced construction is underway on a new Elder care home to be operated by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, a First Nation community on the shore of the Bay of Quinte.
“Congratulations to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte on their ground-breaking for a new long-term care home. Our government is committed to our shared journey of healing and reconciliation with the Indigenous people of Ontario,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. “We are also fixing long-term care and a key part of that plan is building modern, safe and comfortable homes for our seniors. Today’s ground-breaking represents a significant milestone for both priorities. When the home is completed, 128 First Nation residents will have a new place to call home near their family and friends that is tailored to the needs of their community.”
The new state-of-the-art 128-bed home being developed in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory is expected to welcome residents in winter 2026. The not-for-profit home will provide 128 new long-term care beds and culturally appropriate services for the Indigenous community. The home will provide private, modern rooms, 24-hour nursing and personal care, social activities and food services, and help maintain connections with language, culture, and community.
“Officially breaking ground on the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Elder Care Home project is not only a great achievement for our community, it also demonstrates the success of the Chief’s Committee on Long-Term Care working collaboratively with licensing and funding partners from the governments of Ontario and Canada. MBQ’s Elder Care Home will become just the fifth licensed long-term care facility on a First Nation territory. This will allow folks to remain on-territory as they age and require more care. This is crucial as leaving the community when care is needed can re-traumatize those who have been impacted by the residential school system. As work begins on constructing this new 128-bed, net zero carbon project, we will continue working with community partners such as First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) to train nurses and PSWs in order to hire local as much as possible. The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte are excited for this project to become a reality,” said R. Donald Maracle, Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
Once built, the home will also feature design improvements including larger resident common areas and air conditioning throughout the home. The design is centred around ‘resident home areas’ to create more intimate and familiar living spaces for up to 32 residents, with dining and activity areas, lounges and bedrooms. The new home will be licensed to and operated by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, represented by Tyendinaga Mohawk Council.
“The Elders in our community deserve to have good places to live out their final years in close connection to their own communities. I’m grateful for this government living up to its promise and partnering with all levels of government to provide this needed housing,” said Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings—Lennox and Addington.
“Supporting the health and well-being of Indigenous people across Ontario remains top priority for our government, and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte are no exception. As part of our commitment to advancing meaningful reconciliation, our government is improving community infrastructure and strengthening cultural ties to promote a high quality of life in First Nation communities across Ontario.” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
Featured image: (L to R) Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care; R. Donald Maracle, Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte; and Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington. (Government of Ontario)
