Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Ceremonial shovels hit the dirt on a pair of area long-term care homes on Wednesday-one the site of the new Village Green in Napanee, the other an Elder care home on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Paul Calandra stopped by both sites to celebrate start of the construction process.
Once an empty field at the corner of Drive-In Road and Hwy 41 in Napanee, the future site of the new and improved Village Green is currently bustling with activity as bulldozers work to level the ground and install water drainage.
“Construction is underway at Village Green, a redeveloped, long-term care facility here in Napanee,” said Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington. “The expanded home will provide 128 much needed new and upgraded beds in the new facility and will feature modern elements including larger resident common areas and air-conditioning through out the home. The design is centred around creating resident home areas which provide a more home-like living space, including dining and activity areas and lounges for groups of up to 32 people. The home is expected to welcome its first residents in the spring of 2025.”
The new site is just a couple of KM up Hwy 41 from its current location in Selby. Village Green is operated by OMNI Health Care, one of 19 homes under their care.
Hastings Lennox and Addington MPP Ric Bresee speaks while Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Paul Calandra listens. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
“With the current waiting list of over 100 residents, we know the area is consistently growing and the need for long-term care beds in this area will only increase,” said Raheem Hirji, CEO of OMNI Health Care. “This home will provide support to residents struggling with responsive behaviours and the complexity of dementia and other challenges that affect their ability to live independently in the community.”
The updated Village Green is a $50 million project and is expected to bring 75 new jobs to the region.
“It means so much for a small community when you build a long-term home in that community,” said Calandra. “More often than not a long-term care home in a small community is the largest property tax payer. It is the largest employer in a community. It is a game-changer for a community and that you’re able to continue to make these investments is so important to us. It’s part of a build out of about 58,000, and I say about because I think we’re even going to exceed that target, over and above 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care home beds across the province in Ontario.”
The future site of a larger Village Green, on Drive-In Road. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Calandra thanked Greater Napanee mayor Terry Richardson, crediting the town for their efforts to get the project underway. The minister noted not every community has been as cooperative to work with as they work to fulfill their goal of 58,000 new long-term care beds in the province.
“Thank you very much for removing the obstacles for allowing us to break ground here,” said Calandra. “To allow us to bring a long-term care home to your community. Across your community there are more beds being built in this riding than were built across the entire province of Ontario in the 10 years proceeding our government.”
Earlier on Wednesday the minister visited the site of the Elder care home, which will also feature 128 new beds.
“Congratulations to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte on their ground-breaking for a new long-term care home. Our government is committed to our shared journey of healing and reconciliation with the Indigenous people of Ontario,” said Calandra in a statement. “We are also fixing long-term care and a key part of that plan is building modern, safe and comfortable homes for our seniors. Today’s ground breaking represents a significant milestone for both priorities. When the home is completed, 128 First Nation residents will have a new place to call home near their family and friends that is tailored to the needs of their community.”
The facility on TMT is expected to welcome its first residents in the winter of 2026.
“Officially breaking ground on the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Elder Care Home project is not only a great achievement for our community, it also demonstrates the success of the Chief’s Committee on Long-Term Care working collaboratively with licensing and funding partners from the governments of Ontario and Canada,” reads a statement from Bay of Quinte Mohawks R. Donald Maracle. “MBQ’s Elder Care Home will become just the fifth licensed long-term care facility on a First Nation territory. This will allow folks to remain on-territory as they age and require more care. This is crucial as leaving the community when care is needed can re-traumatize those who have been impacted by the residential school system. As work begins on constructing this new 128-bed, net zero carbon project, we will continue working with community partners such as First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) to train nurses and PSWs in order to hire local as much as possible. The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte are excited for this project to become a reality.”
The not-for-profit home will provide 128 new long-term care beds and culturally appropriate services for the Indigenous community. The home will provide private, modern rooms, 24-hour nursing and personal care, social activities and food services, and help maintain connections with language, culture, and community.