Unique design planned for fire-damaged Pioneer Manor

BY TRACEY DUGUAY 

It’s going to cost $8.8 million to replace the sections of Pioneer Manor that were destroyed or damaged by fire last year.

However, the redevelopment is being built to accommodate the special needs of the residents suffering from dementia that will live there, as well as incorporating “green” architectural principles.

“We’ll have a facility that will be the envy of other communities, not just in Ontario but probably in Canada,” said Ward 8 Councillor Ted Callaghan after hearing the plans at a city council meeting on Wednesday.

The project involves the construction of 31 new beds and the commissioning of 25 beds in a wing damaged by the fire. There won’t be an impact to the 2008 budget since the funding will come from the insurance settlement, existing Pioneer Manor reserves or the existing capital envelope for the long-term care facility.

The project will go out for tender in April 2008 with an occupancy date of September 2009.

More information will be available in Friday’s edition of Northern Life.