New funding model provides added funding for three local LTC projects

The province has announced added funding to build or renovate 74 long term care homes in Ontario, including three in our area.

Officials say it’s part of the province’s new funding model that helps break down historic barriers and accelerates the construction of urgently needed long-term care projects.

The total for Cassellholme East Nipissing District Home For The Aged is now over $101 million, an increase of $10.6 million.

Cassellholme chair Chris Mayne tells BayToday it’s welcome news considering they were expecting under a million dollars from the province in the original funding proposals.

“That they have now increased that redevelopment incentive to $10.6 million, up front, makes a huge difference to the long-term financing costs of the project and in effect will significantly lower interest carrying costs of the project for the municipality,” he says. “So we’re extremely pleased to see this money and look forward to the ongoing redevelopment of Cassellholme which is now in the tender phase.”

The project includes 24 new beds and 240 upgrades.

MPP Vic Fedeli announced last month the Cassellholme project was going out to tender.

Waters Edge Care Centre in North Bay is receiving a new total of $54.2 million for 12 new beds and 148 upgrades.

That’s an increase of $7.6 million.

$18.7 million goes to Algonquin Nursing Home in Mattawa, an increase of $3.2 million.

72 beds will be upgraded there.

“Our government has been taking historic steps to improve the quality of life for our loved ones by adding capacity and upgrading Ontario’s long-term care homes,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. “We introduced the modernized funding model to build and renovate these homes faster, and we’re already seeing results, with thousands of new, safe, and comfortable spaces in progress.”

Province-wide there’s an added $761 million going towards the 74 projects.

Photo by Jeff Turl/BayToday.ca