Sienna Senior Living, which operates Owen Hill Care Community in downtown Barrie, is looking for property to build a larger and more modern facility as the provincial government helps with the cost of new beds.
Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey was at the Owen Hill senior living centre, located at 130 Owen St., on Wednesday to announce the provincial government is adding 104 new beds and upgrading 152 others at the facility.
“We want to build safe, comfortable homes for our seniors. And if not for today’s seniors then for us as we will become seniors,” Downey said. “This is an unprecedented investment and it is going to lead to tens of thousands of new and upgraded beds.”
The announcement was part of the government’s $6.4-billion commitment to build more than 30,000 new beds by 2028 and 28,000 upgraded long-term-care beds across the province.
Nancy Webb, senior vice-president of public affairs for Sienna Senior Living, said it was a positive day for the staff and residents at the Barrie facility and for the future of those who will work there and use its services.
“It's great for everyone here and for families of those who are here, but also for those who will be here. This is going to be a very significant build and redevelopment,” Webb said. “We realize it is more than bricks and mortar that brings quality of life to a residence; it's about everything that is surrounding them.
"For example, we have a wonderful patio outside that gets used in the good weather," she added. "We want to make sure any new facility has the same gathering place for residents to enjoy each other and the fresh air.”
Webb said Sienna will be working with stakeholders to find a larger piece of property in the community to allow for the expansion and Owen Hill will move into that facility, operating under just one site.
The Owen Street building has 57 rooms and a new facility would double that.
Webb called the future move “a very significant expansion," but said the move is still a few years away.
There are now 859 new and 764 upgraded long-term care beds in development, under construction or completed in Simcoe County. Some of the projects include:
* 128 new beads at Victoria Village Manor in Barrie
* 2 new and 62 upgraded beds at Grove Park Home in Barrie
* 80 new and 112 upgraded beds at Schlegel Villages in Barrie
* 64 new and 66 upgraded beds at IOOF Seniors Homes Inc.
* 68 new and 60 upgraded beds at Sara Vista in Elmvale
* 19 new beds at Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene
* 51 new and 109 upgraded beds at the Villa Care Centre in Midland
* 34 new beds at Simcoe Manor and Village in Beeton
* 36 new and 60 upgraded beds at Collingwood Nursing Home
* 34 new and 94 upgraded beds at Oak Terrace Redevelopment in Innisfil
* 47 new and 49 upgraded beds at Stayner Care Centre.
