Ontario Construction News staff writer
A new long-term care home to be built in Scarborough is expected to open in 2026 and could include up to 365 beds.
Work has already started on the procurement process for the project design and a detailed transition plan will be developed and implemented to move residents to the new location.
“This is fantastic news for the residents in Scarborough North. When the Carefree Lodge redevelopment is complete, they will have access to a City long-term care home in their area allowing family and friends to remain close by as their loved ones transition into a long-term care home,” said Councillor Cynthia Lai.
Toronto is also building a new 384-bed long-term care (LTC) home at the North York General Hospital, which the provincial government described as a “state-of-the-art” long-term care home on hospital property.
According to the ministry of long-term care, the home will be licensed to and operated by North York General Hospital.
“It will be part of a campus of care which integrates the home into the broader health care system and helps ensure residents have access to the care they need,” the release reads. “The home has also proposed to offer specialized behavioral support and convalescent care services.”
The brand new 384-bed home includes an allocation for 192 new beds and 160 upgraded beds which are currently located in a long-term care home within the hospital’s Seniors’ Health Centre. An additional 32 upgraded beds will come from the home’s current location and are being funded by the hospital. Each new bed means more people can receive the care they need near their loved ones. Each redeveloped bed means that those already receiving care will be able to move into a brand-new home.
Construction is expected to start in spring 2024 and be completed in summer 2026.
There are now 126 not-for-profit projects in development or under construction in Ontario, including five LTC homes planned for redevelopment across Toronto.
“Following an extensive review of the city’s real estate portfolio, CreateTO identified and recommended the site at 4610 Finch Avenue East to enable the delivery of much-needed long-term care beds in Scarborough. This process also serves as a model for city building and will facilitate the co-location of multiple City services on this City-owned site,” said Vic Gupta, CEO, CreateTO.