Construction begins on new Rockwood Terrace long-term care home in Durham

Construction has officially commenced on the new 128-bed Rockwood Terrace long-term care facility in Durham. Grey County Warden Brian Milne, alongside dignitaries including Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta and Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers, celebrated this milestone at a construction kickoff event on Friday, June 28. The existing 100-bed Rockwood Terrace requires redevelopment to align with updated provincial standards, promising an enhanced care environment and a home atmosphere. Council's decision to build this larger facility underscores its commitment to addressing the growing demand for long-term care services and ensuring sufficient bed capacity in the region.

"Today marks a pivotal milestone in a decade-long journey for Rockwood Terrace, the community of Durham, and southern Grey County," said Grey County Warden Brian Milne. "With construction underway, we're truly beginning to see all the hard work, thoughtful consideration and careful planning paying off. I look forward to watching the building go up."

Designed by Kasian Architects and Ted Handy and Associates, construction of the 116,000 square foot home is expected to last more than two years with residents moving into the home by early 2027. Grey County awarded the construction portion of the overall project to Melloul-Blamey Construction Ltd. earlier this year.

The new home has been designed from the ground up around resident-centred care and creating spaces that feel like communities. Resident privacy was an important consideration in the design of both private and basic rooms with shared bathrooms. The home will have barrier free paths of travel and natural walking routes for residents and each home area will be decorated with seasonal themes to help residents locate their rooms. Infection prevention and control will also be enhanced through the home design and improved laundry facilities.

Residents of the home will receive 24-hour nursing care with an attending physician on call and regularly visiting the home. Personal care and hygiene services will be provided in rooms and spa areas. Resident health will be promoted through recreation and socialization and nutritious meals.

The new Rockwood Terrace will be energy efficient and net-zero ready in alignment with Grey County's climate action goals.

"County Council is grateful to the Province of Ontario for the financial support that made this project possible. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire project team, including our dedicated contractors and consultants. Special gratitude goes to the residents, families, staff members, and volunteers whose support and input have been instrumental in shaping this project." said Warden Milne.

The public can follow along with construction and learn more about the project by visiting the Grey County website at www.grey.ca/Rockwood-Redevelopment. The webpage contains key information about the new home and will soon feature a live feed video of the construction site.

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For media inquiries contact Rob Hatten, communications manager, at rob.hatten[at] grey.ca(rob[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca)or call 519-373-1592.

Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta

Grey County Warden Brian Milne at the Rockwood Terrace Construction Kickoff ceremony.

From left to right: Jennifer Cornell, Director of Long-Term Care and Senior Services, Karen Krause, Executive Director of Rockwood Terrace, Brian Milne, Grey County Warden, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, Kevin Eccles, West Grey Mayor, Rick Byers, MPP of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

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