Long-term care beds at Pioneer Manor could be in line for a major upgrade, as councillors examine a plan to raise the level of care at the home to new provincial standards.
The capital costs are estimated at $32 million to $39 million. While provincial subsidies are available, they don't kick in until the work is complete and residents are in the beds. So for the work to proceed, the city would have to debt finance the project.
“All financing costs incurred during the design and construction phase of 20 to 28 months will be funded by the municipality,” says a report headed to city council Tuesday.
The upgrades would be part of a provincial strategy unveiled in 2014, which makes improving the beds mandatory to conform with new guidelines for LTC rooms.
The strategy focuses on upgrading rooms and beds in LTC facilities that don't meet the provincial 'A' standard.
“By definition, structural classification takes into account a room’s physical infrastructure elements like width of entry doors and washrooms, and wheelchair accessibility radius,” the report says. “Dining room and lounge space available for residents and families are also considerations.”
The province aims to upgrade more than 30,000 LTC beds classified as 'B' or 'C' standard in 300 facilities in Ontario. Of the 433 beds at Pioneer Manor, 149 are structurally classified as ‘B’ and ‘C’ beds and would require redevelopment.
“The 149 beds in question are located in the two-storey courtyard (McCrae) area of the building and were originally constructed in the early 1970s with minor renovations in subsequent years,” the report said.
If the city moves ahead with the project, the report recommends increasing the number of beds to 160 “to enable the best practice of having 32 beds per Resident Home Area (RHA).”
The renewal strategy also calls for expanding the kitchen, which was designed to serve just 342 residents.
“As part of its preparation for the proposed build the home has had preliminary meetings with the city's planning, building and financial services to ensure all requirements are adhered to,” the report said.
To be eligible for the provincial subsidy, the work must be completed by Dec. 31, 2024.
