The proposed closure of a long-term care facility in Plantagenet has led to a response from Alfred and Plantagenet Council. Cambridge-based Southbridge Care Homes, which owns Pinecrest in Plantagenet, and The Palace in Alexandria, is planning to close both facilities and consolidate the residents at its larger facility in Cornwall.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care, Pinecrest has 60 licensed beds. The Palace has 70 licensed beds.

Chantal Lavergne, who has a grandparent living at Pinecrest and acts as their legal representative and is a member of the Pinecrest Resident’s Family Council, appeared before Alfred and Plantagenet Township Council on Tuesday, September 13 and made a series of requests for a response to the closure of the facility. Several other family members of Pinecrest residents and employees of the facility were also in attendance.

Lavergne asked that council intervene with the Ministry of Long-Term Care to request an in-person public consultation in Plantagenet, accessible to residents, their families, representatives, staff, and the public of Prescott-Russell. She said a consultation held on September 29, 2026, was only conducted online, and was only advertised in English in a Hawkesbury newspaper. Lavergne said the online consultation, only advertised in French, excluded a lot of residents and family members. She said several families and legal representatives did not even know about the consultation. As a result, Lavergne wants an investigation of how the consultation was advertised and of Southbridge’s compliance with the French Language Services Act.

Lavergne requested council ask the Ministry of Long-Term Care what will happen to residents who do not relocate to Cornwall, if they can be relocated to another facility in Prescott-Russell, will their care needs be taken into consideration, and what measures will be taken for residents without family or other representation.

As a result of the planned closure of Pinecrest, Lavergne asked that council request the Ministry undertake a long-term care needs assessment in Prescott-Russell. She also wants the needs of current Pinecrest employees to be taken into consideration, and for the Ministry to postpone the closure until concerns have been reviewed and further consultation takes place.

“The potential closure of Pinecrest is not just about a building or the transfer of beds. It affects vulnerable individuals, their families, dedicated staff, and the future of long-term care in our community,” Lavergne said.

“For many residents, Pinecrest is their last home. Some no longer have family or loved ones to advocate for them,” she added.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their voices are not forgotten,” Lavergne concluded.

Mayor Yves Laviolette said Lavergne is not alone with her objections.

Councillor Antoni Viau said he entirely understands concerns. He asked Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michel Potvin if it is possible to communicate objections with the Minister of Long-Term Care, and the Minister of Francophone Affairs.

Potvin affirmed it is possible and noted that the concerns about Pinecrest possibly closing and inadequate communication in French could be addressed simultaneously because Long-Term Care Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta also serves as Minister of Francophone Affairs. MPP Stéphane Sarrazin also serves as Kusendova-Bashta’s Parliamentary Assistant for Francophone Affairs.  

Council agreed to send letters to both Kusendova-Bashta and Sarrazin.