On Wednesday, August 20, elected officials, stakeholders, and residents gathered at the Metcalfe Centre in Maxville for the groundbreaking of the Maxville Manor expansion project. The ceremony also included Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Natlia Kusendova-Bashta announcing a new funding program to support the construction of long-term care homes across the province.
Maxville Manor CEO Amy Porteous welcomed elected officials from various levels of government, saying, “Your presence speaks volumes about your commitment to seniors, to healthcare, and the well-being of rural townships like North Glengarry.”
“We’re not just upgrading a facility. We’re creating a future where residents, families, and staff can thrive in a space built around respect, safety, and community. Maxville Manor is expanding from 122 beds to 160 to serve more people.”
Maxville Manor Board of Directors Chair Patricia Cole expressed her gratitude for the Manor’s staff and the fundraising achievements of the community.
“The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG) council awarded us a construction loan and contributed $4 million toward the fundraising goal of $11 million. To the staff and volunteers, your passion and advocacy have provided the heartbeat for this project, despite challenges posed over the past few years,” Cole said.
Kusendova-Bashta announced the new Long-Term Care Capital Funding Program (CFP), which she said will create good jobs, build the future, and ensure seniors get the quality of care and life they need and deserve.
“We know how important it is that people have access to care in rural communities. I’m pleased to announce the launch of the new CFP and to break ground on one of the first homes that will be funded by it,” Kusendova-Bashta said.
The CFP shifts from the previous fixed, cost-per-bed model to a flexible, percentage-based funding model to better address construction and land cost variations across the province. Additionally, it will provide increased ministry funding to a maximum of 85 per cent of total eligible project expenses.
Kusendova-Bashta clarified that not-for-profit operators will receive funding faster so that projects can advance construction and enable more redevelopment projects, such as the Maxville Manor. The CFP will be used to meet the province’s goals of building 58,000 new and upgraded long-term beds in Ontario.
As of July 2025, the Ministry of Long-Term Care reported that 148 projects had been completed, are under construction, or have ministry approval to begin, representing a total of 24,101 new and redeveloped beds.
“I am very pleased to see this funding come to our riding,” Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Stéphane Sarrazin said. “The redevelopment of Maxville Manor represents an important investment in the health and well-being of our seniors.”
“This project will give residents and staff the modern spaces and amenities they deserve while strengthening long-term care in our community for years to come,” Sarrazin concluded.
Warden for SDG counties Martin Lang thanked the community efforts to raise the majority of the $11 million so far, stating, “We’re not a huge community, and there are other things that we need money for. It’s just amazing to see this commitment. We’re in it for the long haul.”
“This groundbreaking represents a promise to meet that need, now and into the future. Together, we are building more than bricks and mortar. We are building a peace of mind for generations to come.”
Adding to the community support, Chair of the Maxville Manor Foundation Bill Shields and Erin Blair presented a 50/50 donation of about $25,000 on behalf of his brother, Ken Blair, toward the redevelopment project.
In closing, North Glengarry Mayor Jamie MacDonald said, “The addition of 38 new beds will dramatically improve access to long-term care in our region. With over 100 individuals currently on the Manor’s waitlist and more than 48,000 across Ontario, this expansion is not just timely, but essential.”
“As of today, we have surpassed the $10 million mark, with less than $1 million to go. Together, we will make a lasting impact, and our community thanks you,” MacDonald concluded.
