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Rekai Centres, a not-for-profit, charitable long-term care corporation in Toronto, announced it has entered into an agreement in principle to finance a new 348 bed long-term care home, The new Rekai Centre at Cherry Place will be the Building Ontario Fund’s first investment, investing $176.1 million in construction financing to the planned 13-storey LTC home and Campus of Care at Cherry Street and Front Street. “The need for long-term care beds, especially among the city’s most vulnerable populations, is critical,” said Sue Graham-Nutter, CEO of The Rekai Centres. “Today’s announcement has been a long time in the making, and with the Building Ontario Fund’s financing support, we are delighted to finally be able to expand our capacity and ensure more of our community’s seniors can receive the care and support they deserve.” “We are building up Ontario’s long-term care capacity at an unprecedented rate,” said Paul Calandra, Acting Minister of Long-Term Care. “This Rekai Centre at Cherry Place is proof of what is possible when the government and community come together to make dreams a reality. When this project is complete, 348 residents will have a new place to call home and receive the care they need.” The Rekai Centre Campus of Care will use a forward-thinking, emotion-based and community-centred approach to care to meet the various needs of its future residents and the surrounding community. The Rekai Centre at Cherry Place will include: 7,510 square foot dialysis centre: Equipped to provide hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, the centre will offer on-site treatment to Cherry Place residents as well as members of the community. Dedicated Alzheimer’s and dementia care: Four floors of the home will be designed to meet the needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Infection control zone: Designed in line with stringent IPAC protocols to prevent and manage infections, and equipped with full oxygen support, the three designated rooms will safeguard the health of residents and staff. Rainbow Wing: In 2022, Rekai successfully introduced a 25-bed Rainbow Wing to its Wellesley Place home, an inclusive initiative that offers culturally competent care to members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Cherry Place’s Rainbow Wing will also provide 2SLGBTQI+ residents with a comfortable and safe space during a vulnerable time in their lives. Respite care: Two beds reserved for respite care offer caregiving families a temporary break while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive high-quality care. Rekai Centre for Education: In partnership with George Brown College, a regular schedule of education including classes, workshops and learning experiences will be offered to healthcare students and professionals. Lab services:Onsite lab support services operated by LifeLabs will ensure residents and community members receive access to prompt and reliable testing. Green Roof: Residents and their loved ones can enjoy a children’s play area, soak in the cityscape and dine outdoors. Cultural enrichment: A vibrant community hub will welcome art, music and gatherings to promote cultural engagement and social connection for residents and the waterfront community. Town hall space: Available to facilitate meetings, events and gatherings that foster resident, student and community engagement.Construction is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2025 and the Rekai Centre at Cherry Place is expected to welcome its first residents in December 2027. “Rekai Centre at Cherry Place is a prime example of how the Building Ontario Fund is driving development of vital infrastructure in Ontario by working hand-in-hand with institutional capital and great partners like the Rekai Centres,” said Michael Fedchyshyn, CEO, Building Ontario Fund. “The concept of Cherry Place has been in development for a long time, but progress was stalled due to a combination of factors, including financing challenges. With the Building Ontario Fund’s investment, the project is able to move from vision to reality. We are thrilled that this innovative facility can now come to life, providing much-needed beds and services within a high-needs community, and that our first project is such an impactful one.” The Rekai Centre at Cherry Place is made possible by the vision and generosity of partners, investors and donors: Building Ontario Fund, Jackman Foundation, Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation, Ontario Centre for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care, George Brown College, LifeLabs and Benjamin Moore. |
