It was more than a decade in the making, but the ground was officially broken Wednesday (August 9) for a new 128-bed long-term care home to be called “Station Place” in the village of Havelock in Peterborough County.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place at the facility site at 628 Old Norwood Road, was attended by Brad Smith, president and CEO of AON Inc. — which is developing the project and will operate the facility — along with AON Inc. vice president Ray Barlow, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, and Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Mayor Jim Martin.
All members of current and past township councils were also present to celebrate the occasion, along with many of the community advocates and supporters who lobbied for the facility.
It was over 10 years ago that the township acquired the property for a long-term care home. Since then, the property has been rezoned, water and sewer services have been installed to the property lot line, and engineered drawings for the facility have moved through the building review and approval process.
“Breaking ground on this 128-bed long-term care project has been a long time coming and we’ve had to overcome a significant number of challenges along the way,” said Mayor Martin. “I am extremely happy the day is fast approaching. Our residents, and those in the surrounding area, need a modern long-term care facility that provides high quality care, where they can live out their years with dignity and have their support network of family and friends close by.”
Earlier this spring, the township selected AON Inc. as long-term care facility development and operating partner following a request for proposal process. AON Inc and the Ministry of Long-Term Care subsequently entered into development and funding agreements.
“This project will have a significant positive impact on our community during construction, and once completed, will create a lasting economic impact with the creation of 120 new jobs,” Mayor Martin added.
