While excavation commenced a little over a month ago, the official groundbreaking ceremony for Prince Edward County’s new $94 million Long Term Care Home took place June 26.

John Jordan, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, along with Mayor Steve Ferguson, councillors, H.J. McFarland Memorial Home residents, and staff joined in the ceremonial sod turning on the 160-bed facility.

April 2027 is the target finish line.

The state-of-the-art LTC home doubles the municipality’s offering of beds, and rights a wrong in this community. The Ministry shuttered the 78 bed Picton Manor Nursing Home in 2012 after its operator refused to make critical and mandated upgrades to the facility’s fire alarm and fire suppression systems. Several suppliers also went unpaid and stopped their deliveries.

The province reallocated the beds elsewhere in the Quinte area. Displaced Picton Manor residents, many lifelong County residents, were shuttled to LTCs in Belleville, Kingston, and Brighton.

The municipality lobbied for the beds to be reallocated back for nearly a decade. In 2019, the province gave the nod, allowing the municipality to plan to replace the existing, and outdated, H.J. McFarland Home, built in 1976.

In just under two years, critical LTC capacity will be back in a community with one of the most seniors per capita in Ontario — those 65 and older make up about 35 percent of residents.

A New Space To Call Home

The new home promises to create a more intimate living space for residents through enhanced private living spaces, vibrant common areas, and facilities inside and out for communal activities.

Offerings include a hair salon, lounge, gallery, outdoor gardens, and a walking path with sitting areas.

“Designed with dignity, comfort and community in mind, the new home will significantly enhance the lives of residents and staff. Thoughtful design helps to create an environment where everyone truly feels at home,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. He added five resident wings are equipped to operate independently, while an interior Main Street will connect them.

About two-thirds of the cost of the $94 million project comes from the province. Mr. Jordan pointed to the Construction Funding Subsidy top-up program, part of the Ontario government’s contribution. 

The balance of the cost for the project remains the municipality’s responsibility.

The sale of the existing H.J. McFarland home represents a possible source of revenue. The 6.4 acre parcel has been appraised at $4.2 million. The home was designed by renowned Canadian architect Ron Thom. Municipal staff are expected to pursue an Expression of Interest (EOI) process.