Grey County Council has major decisions to make around its long term care facilities. Council heard from consultants on the future of Rockwood Terrace in Durham and Grey Gables in Markdale. Rockwood Terrace is the oldest and the consultants suggest the best option is closing Rockwood and incorporating its 100 beds at an expanded Grey Gables. Grey County Warden Al Barfoot says the decision has to be made soon.
"Probably one of the biggest decisions that Grey County Council is going to make within its term, probably one of the biggest decisions that any county council has made over the last number of years. This is huge," says Barfoot.
It's estimated it will cost 18 million dollars to expand Grey Gables to accommodate the beds from Rockwood. However the consultants expect it would save the county money in the long run.
The provincial government wants all long term facilities upgraded before their current licences expire. Rockwood's expire in 2025, so Barfoot says council has to decide what direction to take this year, considering staffing and construction requirements.
