The Ontario government is investing $933 million in 80 new long-term care projects, which will lead to thousands of additional new and upgraded long-term care spaces across the province.
“From the beginning of this pandemic, our Government has made it clear that we will do whatever it takes to protect our long-term care residents,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “These historic investments will provide our seniors with the safe and modern living spaces they deserve.”
In addition to modernizing the long-term care sector, these projects will add 7,510 new spaces and upgrade 4,197 spaces, helping to reduce waitlists and end hallway healthcare. This investment also supports key government priorities, including providing new spaces for Indigenous, Francophone and other cultural community residents.
“Our most vulnerable deserve the support they need when they need it in a setting that provides comfort and caring,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today’s investment is part of the government’s comprehensive plan to modernize long-term care for generations to come. It will increase access to long-term care, reduce waitlists, and ease hospital capacity pressures.”
Criteria for selecting the new projects included:
- Upgrading older homes in response to lessons learned around improved Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures, particularly the elimination of three and four-bed rooms;
- Adding spaces to areas where there is high need;
- Addressing the growing needs of diverse groups, including Francophone and Indigenous communities; and/or,
- Promoting campuses of care to better address the specialized care needs of residents.
This announcement moves the Ontario government a step closer to fulfilling its commitment to add 30,000 much-needed long-term care spaces over 10 years. With this new allocation, Ontario now has 20,161 new and 15,918 redevelopment spaces in the development pipeline.
For further information, visit: Long-Term Care Modernization Plan
Featured image: The Pioneer Manor in Sudbury has been allocated 38 new beds and 122 upgraded spaces to create a 444-bed home, which also includes the construction of a new building.
