Grey Gables long-term care home in Markdale, Grey Highlands. (image supplied by Grey County)
Grey County has received approval from the Ontario government for the development of 62 new long-term care beds at Grey Gables in Markdale.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker says in a release this project will include the upgrade of 66 beds by the municipality, resulting in a 128-bed long-term care home in Markdale.
“This is great news for our cherished senior citizens who call Grey Gables their home. As a result of our government’s investment in seniors, they will enjoy a warm, safe and modern environment with the best quality of care that they deserve,” says Walker in a statement.
Grey County does not have a timeline for the project yet. County council will discuss the new development at its next meeting on Nov. 26.
MPP Walker says the Grey Gables project will involve the construction of a new building and be part of a campus of care. A new Grey Bruce Health Services hospital is also being built next to Grey Gables long-term care home.
The Grey Gables project will be the second long-term care development the county is taking on simultaneously. Last year, the provincial government approved the county’s application for 28 new and 100 redeveloped beds for Rockwood Terrace in Durham.
Grey County has until 2025 to have Rockwood Terrace re-developed to meet ‘Class A’ standards in accordance with the Ontario Long Term Care Homes Act.
Last year, it was estimated the proposed 128-bed construction options for Grey Gables in Markdale and Rockwood Terrace in Durham would add at least $1-million to the annual county levy for long-term care moving forward.
Grey County rescinded a previous plan in 2019 to sell Grey Gables and combine its beds with Rockwood Terrace into a new long-term care facility in Durham.
Grey County CAO Kim Wingrove shared population estimates with councillors last year forecasting the need for 108 additional long-term care beds within 15 minutes of Grey Gables in the next five years.
The announcement of the 62 new beds at Grey Gables was among 29 projects unveiled by Minister of Long-Term Care Dr. Merrilee Fullerton on Friday that will create over 2,900 new or upgraded long-term care spaces across Ontario.
The Ontario government has committed to spend $1.75-billion to create 30,000 beds over a period of 10 years.
According to a release from the province, as of June 2020 more than 38,500 people are on the waitlist to access a long-term care bed in Ontario.
