The first phase of a two-storey addition to Terrace Lodge in Aylmer, providing the facility with 64 new beds, is completed.
The Ontario government announced Tuesday that the first part of the three-phase, redevelopment of the long-term care home located at 475 Talbot Street East in Aylmer has wrapped up and already begun to welcome new residents.
The second-phase of construction is expected to provide an additional 18 upgraded beds by spring 2024, and the final phase will see another 18 beds by the end of 2024, for a total of 100 new beds.
“Congratulations to Terrace Lodge on opening the first phase of their redeveloped home with 64 upgraded beds,” said Paul Calandra, the Minister of Long-Term Care. “The upgraded Terrace Lodge represents a significant milestone for Elgin County – when building is completed, 100 residents will have a new place to call home, near their family and friends.”
The renovation of Terrace Lodge will feature several design improvements including more dining space, updated amenities including a new physiotherapy room, a health clinic, a chapel, a gift shop, larger resident common areas, and air conditioning. The completed upgrade will also be capable of accommodating 25 memory care residents.
"We are thrilled to share that the long-anticipated addition at Terrace Lodge is now complete. Projects like these are so much more than just new bricks and mortar, rather, it is a significant enhancement to the quality of life for our long-term care residents,” said Elgin County Warden Ed Ketchabaw.
Other long-term care projects in Elgin County include the development of facilities in Port Stanley and St. Thomas. A total of 484 modern beds are anticipated from the upcoming developments, including the upgrade in Aylmer.
The upgrades are part of the province’s $6.4-billion investment to add over 30,000 new beds by 2028 and 28,000 upgraded beds across Ontario. According to the province, as of April 2023, more than 40,000 people were on the waitlist to access a long-term care bed in Ontario The average wait time is 123 days for applicants to be placed in long-term care.