June 28, 2024 marks the beginning of construction on Grey County’s redevelopment of Rockwood Terrace Long-Term Care Home in Durham, a project that represents the largest capital construction effort in the county’s history.
The new $91 million, 128-bed facility will replace the existing Rockwood Terrace and bring the home up to the provincial government’s ‘Class A’ standards. This state-of-the-art long-term care home will feature four Resident Home Areas, each accommodating 32 residents. The design includes 80 private rooms and 24 double rooms, large dining areas, cognitive stimulation stations, and outdoor walking routes. The new construction will also blend indoor and outdoor spaces with courtyards and terraces, providing a harmonious environment for residents.
Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, praised the project.
“I would like to congratulate Grey County on their groundbreaking of the new Rockwood Terrace long-term care home. Our government is fixing long-term care and ensuring we build homes for seniors in the communities they helped build. Today marks a significant milestone for this community. When construction is complete, 128 residents will have a new, modern and comfortable place to call home,” she said.
This project is part of the Ontario government’s broader initiative to build more than 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province. The Rockwood Terrace redevelopment was made possible through the Construction Funding Subsidy Top-up program, which has helped initiate construction on numerous long-term care projects since its extension.
Rick Byers, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, emphasized the importance of this investment.
“This is a very important investment in long-term care for the Durham community. I’d like to congratulate and thank the County of Grey for proceeding with this project that will provide additional long-term beds and an updated home for our seniors,” he said.
Grey County Warden Brian Milne highlighted the significance of the construction start.
“Today marks a pivotal milestone in a decade-long journey for Rockwood Terrace, the community of Durham, and southern Grey County. With construction underway, we’re truly beginning to see all the hard work, thoughtful consideration and careful planning paying off. I look forward to watching the building go up,” Milne said.
This new long-term care home is a crucial step in addressing the needs of seniors in Grey County.