MPP Daryl Kramp announced an investment by the Ontario Government of $1,030,750 in one-time combined federal-provincial funding to improve and make upgrades to long-term care homes in Bancroft and Greater Napanee. It’s part of a $100 million investment to install heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and make retrofits or repairs to fire sprinkler systems, in 95 long-term care homes across the province. These investments will help provide care, comfort and safety to residents.
“This investment will benefit our long-term care residents now and in the future, providing them with greater comfort and safety,” said MPP Kramp.
The John M. Parrott Centre, in Greater Napanee, will receive $48,375 to upgrade the computer software and hardware components of the building automation system. This upgrade will allow early intervention to identify issues with HVAC and exhaust systems.
Hastings Centennial Manor, in Bancroft, will receive $982,375 to add air conditioning components to the existing air handling units and building automation system so as to provide full temperature and humidity control to all areas of the home, including all private rooms.
“Our Government is reversing decades of neglect and underfunding by repairing and rebuilding long-term care in Ontario like never before,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today’s investment in homes across the province is another part of our government’s plan to ensure our loved ones live in comfort and with the safety, dignity and respect they deserve.”
This funding is part of a combined federal-provincial investment of up to $1.05 billion to build or renovate health and safety related projects in long-term care, education and municipalities through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
In addition to helping communities build the necessary infrastructure to keep Ontario’s long-term care residents, families and staff comfortable and safe, this investment will create hundreds of local construction jobs, and support local businesses and suppliers.
In the 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, the province set aside a total of $246 million to improve living conditions in long-term care homes, including ensuring all residents have air conditioned surroundings.
Ontario is investing $2.68 billion for the delivery of 30,000 new spaces over ten years. The province now has 20,257 new and 15,918 redevelopment spaces in the development pipeline.
Ontario has committed to an average of four hours of direct care per day for our loved ones living in long term care homes and is the first province in Canada to take this important step.