Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway on a new 200-bed long-term care home in Pickering, one of 67 long-term care home projects fast-tracked through the Ontario government’s increased construction funding subsidy. This is part of the government’s commitment to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province.
“Our government is fixing long-term care and ensuring we build homes for seniors in the communities they helped build,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today’s ground-breaking for a new long-term care home marks a significant milestone for Pickering and Durham Region. When construction is complete, 200 residents will have a new, modern and comfortable place to call home.”
Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
The three-storey building will feature design improvements, including an outdoor café/terrace and gardens for residents and visitors, larger resident common areas and air conditioning throughout the home. The design is centred around resident home areas, each of which creates a more intimate and familiar living space for up to 32 residents, with dining and activity areas, lounges and bedrooms. The home has also proposed to include two 20-bed behavioural specialized units that support more vulnerable residents with complex care needs like dementia.
“As our region grows, it’s critical that investments like the one we are celebrating today are made in health care infrastructure to support our aging population,” said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “This new facility will address a very real need for more long-term care beds in Durham, ensuring residents have a place they can age safely, comfortably, and with the respect and dignity that they deserve as valued members of our community.
“This facility will become a community fixture that will add to the diversity and vitality of the community for years to come. Congratulations to everyone involved in this important project.”
As a result of the government’s increase to the construction funding subsidy, which was designed to stimulate the start of construction for more long-term care homes across Ontario, 67 projects received ministry approval to construct between April 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023. This means 11,199 new and upgraded beds are being built to modern design standards across the province.
The development project at 1550 Alexander Knox Road in Pickering is a not-for-profit, municipal home that will be operated by the Regional Municipality of Durham.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we break ground on our new long-term care home in Pickering, made possible by this government’s increased construction funding subsidy,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering—Uxbridge. “This investment addresses the urgent need for long-term care beds and demonstrates our commitment to serving our seniors. With its expanding population and vibrant community spirit, Pickering stands as an ideal location for our new long-term care home.”