The Ontario government is investing an additional $761 million to build and renovate 74 long-term care homes across the province, creating close to 11,000 spaces.

More than 38,500 people are on the waitlist to access a long-term care bed, as of June 2020. The new investment comes from the province’s new funding model that helps accelerate the construction of these urgently needed projects.

Details were provided at a press conference at the Maple View Lodge on November 12.

“Bringing the long-term care funding model into the 21st century means we have a targeted approach for improving and expanding long-term care capacity in our communities,” said Steve Clark, minister of municipal affairs and housing and MPP for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “For example, under the modernized funding model, Maple View Lodge will receive an additional investment of close to $7 million. This will help the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville build 132 new and much needed spaces in Athens township sooner.”

Through the funding model, the government plans to create 30,000 beds over 10 years, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, and instead, providing tailored incentives to address the needs of developers in different markets. It also introduces an up-front development grant to address high-cost barriers to construction.

The government is also selling surplus lands with the requirement that long-term care homes be built on portions of the properties. The Accelerated Build pilot program is also fast-tracking 1,280 spaces.

The funding model has already boosted support for 74 projects, representing 10,753 long-term care spaces: 3,957 new beds, and 6,796 older beds being redeveloped to modern standards. Of the 74 projects, 49 involve the construction of a brand-new building.