Redevelopment work on a long-term care home in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) is officially underway—thanks in part to a $70-million loan from Infrastructure Ontario.

UPCR held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the building on March 23. Construction on the new Prescott and Russell Residence began a month sooner, but the official ceremony was delayed by the pandemic.

"The Infrastructure Ontario Loan Program is helping us to get shovels moving and provide 21st century long-term care infrastructure for our most vulnerable in communities across the province," said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. "Supporting modern and efficient public infrastructure is critical for supporting safe and healthy communities, building a strong economy and creating jobs."

The building is located at 900 Spence Avenue in Hawkesbury, near the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital. The project scope of work calls for redeveloping 146 existing beds and adding an additional 78 beds.

The $90-million project is being built by Ottawa general contractors HEIN, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, with occupancy planned for the second quarter of 2024.

The new residence will feature a central public courtyard and internal courtyards. Plans developed by the architectural firm HDR also include a large multi-purpose room, landscaped outdoor areas, a beauty salon, as well as basic, semi-private, and private rooms.

New workspaces and modern equipment will allow the staff to offer quality care in a safe environment. Inviting and functional care stations will be located at the entrance of each living area to best serve and welcome residents. Additional space has also been planned, beyond the minimum requirements and standards, to facilitate the daily operation of the residence.

“This major project on which we have been working for a few years now is among the most significant accomplishments of the UCPR,” added Stéphane P. Parisien, Chief Administrative Officer of the UCPR. “I am therefore extremely proud to see the construction is underway, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders for their invaluable support.”

The province’s investment in the project is part of the more than $240 million it will spend to develop 30,000 beds across the province over the next 10 years. Ontario now has 20,161 new and 15,918 redevelopment spaces in the long-term care development pipeline.

"Our government has been taking historic steps to improve the quality of life for our loved ones by adding capacity and upgrading Ontario's long-term care homes," said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. "We introduced the modernized funding model to build and renovate these homes faster, and we're already seeing results, with thousands of new, safe and comfortable spaces in development."