Construction is underway at Southbridge Goderich, a new long-term care home in Huron County. This is 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.
“Congratulations to Southbridge Goderich on their ground-breaking for a brand new home. Our government is fixing long-term care and a key part of that plan is building modern, safe, and comfortable homes for our seniors,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Four new long-term care homes are in the planning stages for Huron County – and today marks a significant milestone as construction begins on the first home. When Southbridge Goderich is completed, 160 residents will have a new place to call home, near their family and friends.”
The new long-term care home is expected to welcome its first residents in early 2025, and will provide 69 new and 91 upgraded beds for a total of 160 safe, modern, long-term care beds in Goderich. The brand new building will have specific design improvements including home-like areas – with bedrooms, lounges, dining and activity areas – no ward rooms, larger resident common areas and air conditioning throughout the home.
Once built, the home intends to integrate into the broader health care system to connect residents with behavioural support and palliative care services, and ensure residents have access to the care they need.
In addition to projects like Southbridge Goderich in Goderich, Ontario is supporting another three projects in Huron County, including the development of long-term care homes in Exeter and the Township of Morris-Turnberry. Together, these four projects will provide 181 new and 363 upgraded long-term care beds, for a total of 544 beds built to modern design standards. These projects will help Ontario address the growing demand for long-term care, which has increased wait times for beds and contributed to hallway health care.
The government is fixing long-term care to ensure Ontario’s seniors get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve both now and in the future. The plan is built on three pillars: staffing and care; accountability, enforcement, and transparency; and building modern, safe, comfortable homes for seniors.
