Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON (November 3, 2023) – Mon Sheong Foundation hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for the second Long-Term Care Facility in Stouffville, marking a significant milestone. The Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Long-Term Care, The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP, Markham—Stouffville, and Mayor Iain Lovatt of Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville graced the event with their presence, ushering in the commencement of a purposeful ceremony that sets the stage for the forthcoming construction. This ambitious undertaking involves the creation of an eight-story long-term care facility with 224 long-term care beds. Anticipated to be ready for occupancy within three years, this facility stands as a testament to the commitment to enhancing the lives of local elderly population.
Tim Kwan, Chairman of Mon Sheong Foundation stated, “We believe that the community is brimming with excitement about the ability of Mon Sheong Foundation to build another new long-term care centre in just two years. This endeavour is not merely straightforward; it stands as a testament to the harmonious collaboration of various parties. We are especially grateful for the support and trust from the Ministry of Long-Term Care. Currently, there is a wait list of 8,000 people for the four long-term care centers of Mon Sheong Foundation. Taking Stouffville Long-term Care Center as an example, despite being in operation for two years, the waiting list has already exceeded 2,000 people and continues to rise. This clearly demonstrates the strong demand for nursing care in the community.
The design focus of this new long-term care home remains primarily resident-centered. We continuously update and enhance the facility’s design, with a particular emphasis on infection prevention and control. In addition to fundamental features like individual HVAC systems and real-time positioning systems in each resident’s room, we also plan to provide a private washroom for every basic room in the new facility, same design as current private room’s, but at the charge of a basic room. We are glad that this plan has been approved by the Ministry. While the construction cost per basic room is higher, and it occupies more space, it offers better infection prevention and control and privacy of residents.”
“Congratulations to the Mon Sheong Foundation on their ground-breaking for a second Mon Sheong home in Stouffville. Our government is fixing long-term care and ensuring we build homes for seniors in the communities they helped build,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today marks a significant milestone for Stouffville. When construction is completed, 224 residents will have a new, modern and comfortable place to call home.”
With a population of approximately 50,000 in Town of Stouffville, Mon Sheong Stouffville Long-Term Care Center has been the largest long-term care facility in the area since its completion in October 2021. When the Foundation’s second Long-Term Care Center in Stouffville is completed and operational in 2026, they will provide the community with a total of 544 care beds, making them the largest long-term care operator in the area. This new facility will also create 300 jobs for the community.
Garth Low, President of Mon Sheong Foundation commented, “During the Ministry’s review process, it was required that all related documentations, including financing arrangements, were ready by end of August. Each step in the process required clearance from the Ministry and it was not an easy task for us. We are pleased to host this groundbreaking ceremony today and can commence the construction. Mon Sheong Foundation is grateful for the trust and support by the provincial government, which expedited the complex review process. We would also like to thank the municipal government for their cooperation so that the construction can start smoothly.”
Minister Cho, Minister Calandra and Mayor Lovatt expressed their unanimous commend on Mon Sheong Foundation for their significant contributions to the community. Bringing one more long-term care centre to the Stouffville community will have a profound and lasting impact on the town’s development.
The aging population issue is becoming increasingly severe, and providing high-quality care services is the best way to repay our elderly for a lifetime of hard work. This project entails substantial costs. Although Mon Sheong Foundation has made various arrangements and utilized reserves, it greatly relies on the continuous support and participation of the community. “Because We Care” capital campaign for the construction of new long-term care centres is now underway. The Foundation calls upon the generosity of the community at large, hoping that everyone can come together to contribute to the well-being of the elderly in the community.
For more information, please visit http://www.monsheong.org/capital-campaign or call toll-free at 1-866-708-0002.
