Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government will contribute $30 million for construction of a new elder care home in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, east of Belleville.
The new 128-bed long-term care facility for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte will serve a growing elderly First Nations population, will offer critical services to residents, including 24-hour nursing and personal care, social activities, and food services, while helping to keep connections to language, culture, and community.
“Elders are integral leaders in their communities, and must be able to access good, compassionate care,” said MP Vance Badawey. “This over $30-million investment for a new long-term care home for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte will offer Indigenous-led services to elders and keep them connected to their communities and culture. Indigenous-led and delivered services results in better health and wellness outcomes.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Chief Maracle and the Chief’s Committee on Long Term Care. By working together, this is another example of reconciliation in action.”
With net-zero carbon and energy-saving features, the building will be the community’s first green long-term care home.
A detailed design for the new facility is nearly complete and the project is expected to break ground in July 2023. Once complete, the home will support community members to continue living on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory as they age.
“This will provide an opportunity for our members and others to receive care in a culturally competent setting and bolster local economic development by providing employment and opportunities in our community,” said Chief R. Donald Maracle, elected chief for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. “We have come a long way to get to this point and I reflect back on the hard work of the Chief’s Committee on Long-Term Care, leading to the opportunity for licensing and encouraging multiple partners to work together to achieve the result that we are seeing today.
“I express my gratitude to all of our funders to make this project a reality. I thank our staff and contractors as well as government staff who have worked diligently over many years. This is truly an amazing accomplishment, providing benefits for persons in need of care for generations to come.”