Excavation began in early February, but an official, virtual, and figurative ground-breaking ceremony for the new Prescott and Russell Residence long-term care facility took place on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
The new Residence is being constructed on Spence Avenue in Hawkesbury between the fire station and the Chrysler dealership. The cost of construction is budgeted at $70,610,000 and the target date for completion of the 224-bed facility is December 2022.
United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) Chief Administrative Officer Stéphane Parisien was joined by Hawkesbury Mayor Paula Assaly, UCPR Warden Stéphane Sarrazin, Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure Laurie Scott, and Project Manager Andrew Rodrigues for the brief ceremony.
Sarrazin said the new residence will provide an inclusive environment for residents regardless of language, culture, and beliefs.
UCPR Warden Stéphane Sarrazin. Photo: James Morgan
Fullerton highlighted the Ontario government’s recent changes to long-term care funding. “Together, we’re repairing the cracks in long-term care,” she said.
Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care, Merrilee Fullerton. Screenshot: James Morgan
The new Residence is being financed through a $70 million loan from Infrastructure Ontario. Scott said the loans allow municipal governments the financial flexibility to proceed with infrastructure programs.
Ontario Minister of Infrastructure Laurie Scott. Screenshot: James Morgan.
Rodrigues, who represents Colliers, the firm managing the project for the UCPR, said the new Residence will emphasize resident autonomy and well-being. He said the facility will create a warm, welcoming, de-institutionalized feeling for residents and visitors.
The front exterior of the new Prescott and Russell Residence on Spence Avenue in Hawkesbury. Colliers Project Manager Andrew Rodrigues is shown at the right. Screenshot: James Morgan.
