Council Approves Additional Funding for Terrace Lodge Redevelopment
COUNTY OF ELGIN – At its meeting held on August 11, 2020, Elgin County Council approved an additional $1,193,450 in funding for the Terrace Lodge Redevelopment Project related to enhanced infection prevention and control measures.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been felt globally across all sectors of the economy; however, the most significant impact in Ontario has been on Long-Term Care Homes. Residents and staff in Long-Term Care have faced significant health and safety risks and have experienced loneliness, confusion and a complete upheaval of their schedules and routines. As a result of the pandemic, the Province of Ontario will be undertaking an independent commission into the government’s response to Long-Term Care and the Terrace Lodge Redevelopment Steering Committee entered into an important discussion surrounding the inclusion of enhanced infection prevention and control measures.
“It is important that we not only consider the realities of today, but the uncertainties of the future,” said Warden Dave Mennill. “This redevelopment will be an asset to the community for decades to come and it is important that we plan for the safe and efficient operation of this facility over the course of its entire lifecycle. The time to consider improvements is now, before construction begins”.
Council approved additional funds for oxygen storage, negative pressure rooms, modifications to the staff locker room, a replacement of the aging Nurse Call System, and additional cleaning and safety measures during construction. Council also approved expanded dining areas that would allow for a pleasurable dining experience for residents, more efficient use of staffing resources and increased space for physical distancing during future pandemics or outbreaks.
“County Council values the comfort, safety and quality of life of our Long-Term Care residents,” said Councillor Bob Purcell, Chair of the Terrace Lodge Redevelopment Steering Committee. “We carefully weighed the costs of these enhancements with the benefits that they would provide to our community.”
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province of Ontario announced additional funding for the construction of Long-Term Care Homes including an additional $4.3M for the Terrace Lodge Redevelopment Project. This additional funding will partially reduce the already large investment County Council has approved for the redevelopment project. Council will draw from these additional funds to implement previously mentioned enhancements.
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For additional information, please contact:
Warden Dave Mennill
