Barrie Construction News staff writer
Two long-term care home projects in Barrie broke ground on renovation projects last week, a significant step in the province’s plan to modernize long-term care and expand capacity. The Grove Park Home for Senior Citizens and the Village of Innis Landing will create a combined total of 337 modern long-term care beds.
Both developments are supported by the province’s Construction Funding Subsidy top-up and form part of the government’s broader strategy to create jobs, build critical infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for long-term care residents.
“As Ontario continues to grow, our government is making historic investments to protect families and their loved ones,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today’s announcement is great news for Barrie and will ensure that 337 residents will get the care they need, in modern and safe homes.”
The Grove Park Home project will redevelop 62 existing beds and add two new ones, along with significant upgrades including a modernized nursing call system, advanced fire safety systems, and enhanced resident monitoring technologies. The redevelopment will also include a café, a community hub, redesigned outdoor space, and mechanical lifts in resident rooms to improve safety and comfort.
Meanwhile, the Village of Innis Landing project will redevelop the existing Coleman Care Centre and add 80 new beds for a total of 192. The new facility will feature spacious common areas for recreational and care programming and will be designed to promote social interaction among residents and their visitors.
A Minister’s Zoning Order was approved by the Province of Ontario for 800 Yonge Street to allow the development of a long-term care facility. The project will include expansive common spaces to support a variety of care and recreational programming, along with various opportunities for residents to engage with each other and visitors.
“Today’s announcement ensures that our seniors will be able to age with dignity and the care they need, in the community they love. By upgrading these existing facilities, residents will be able to choose care in places they know and trust while still receiving the qualify of care they have come to expect, said Doug Downey MPP, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte.
Both homes will incorporate “Resident Home Areas”—smaller, self-contained sections designed for up to 32 residents—to create a more intimate, home-like environment. All areas will be fully air-conditioned and include modern dining, lounge, and activity spaces.
The province first introduced the Construction Funding Subsidy top-up in 2022 to accelerate long-term care construction. The subsidy provides eligible projects with $35 per bed, per day, for 25 years, with enhanced support for non-profit operators.