Mayors in the eastern region of Ontario are expressing concerns regarding the potential closure of three long-term care facilities, a move they believe would significantly impact the lives of seniors and their families.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care is currently reviewing a proposal that involves shutting down three Southbridge Care Homes once a new facility is constructed and operational in Cornwall, Ontario. The three facilities at risk of closure are Pinecrest, a 60-bed home situated in Plantagenet, east of Ottawa; The Palace, a 70-bed facility located in Alexandria, Ontario; and Heartwood, a 118-bed home in Cornwall.
The new facility, with a total of 320 beds, would offer 72 more beds than the combined capacity of the existing homes. It is planned to be situated opposite an existing Southbridge home in Cornwall at 800 Nick Kaneb Dr.
However, there are concerns raised by some individuals regarding the proposed changes. North Glengarry Mayor Jamie MacDonald emphasized the emotional attachment residents have to their current homes, particularly The Palace, stressing the importance of preserving their connections within the community.
Representatives of the United Steelworkers union, which represents employees at The Palace and Pinecrest, expressed limited knowledge about the potential consolidation. They highlighted uncertainties surrounding the closure timeline and its impact on staff retention and recruitment.
Regarding service standards, France Gélinas, the provincial NDP’s critic for health and long-term care, mentioned that the Pinecrest beds in Plantagenet might have protections under the French Language Services Act. She emphasized the importance of maintaining French services for designated beds.
Conservative MPP Stéphane Sarrazin underlined the significance of adhering to regulations for facilities providing French language services, pointing out the responsibility of Ontario’s Long-Term Care Minister in this regard.
Mayor Yves Laviolette of the Township of Alfred and Plantagenet echoed concerns about the potential isolation seniors at Pinecrest could face if the consolidation takes place, highlighting the challenges of relocating to Cornwall, especially during winter.
Southbridge did not respond to requests for comments from Radio-Canada before the given deadline. Public feedback on the proposed changes is being accepted until October 16.