December 11, 2024, AILSA CRAIG – Craigwiel Gardens kicked off construction on a new long-term care home on their existing campus with a ground-breaking event celebrated by staff, residents, donors, Board members, community partners and local politicians. The two-storey building will replace Craigholme, the existing 83-bed home built more than 50 years ago.
“Today celebrates an historic achievement,” said Jennifer Gillies, Board Chair. “We wouldn’t be here without an extraordinary amount of teamwork, partnership and community support, including $1.25 million in donations. When we welcome residents to the new Craigholme in early 2027, we will not only have more beds to help reduce the wait list, we will also be creating new job opportunities, solidifying our position as the largest employer in North Middlesex.”
“The entire community rallied around this project and now, as a community, we have been rewarded,” said Elaine Shantz, President and CEO. “The project has received Approval to Construct from the Ministry of LTC and is the recipient of the Construction Funding Subsidy top-up, an Ontario government program that has made this new home possible. When our $38.5 million long-term care home opens, it will include three 32-bed resident home areas, a large, secure interior court, dedicated spaces and amenities for programs, activities, administration and nursing, as well as additional parking.”
The groundbreaking event filled the auditorium as the community gathered to hear the official announcement by Steve Pinsonneault, MPP, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, and a message of congratulations from Brian Ropp, Mayor, North Middlesex. Rebecca Carr, Director of Data Strategy and Analytics, Ontario Long Term Care Association also offered congratulations on this project that will benefit the rural community for decades to come.
For more information about Craigwiel Gardens and Craigholme, visit: https://craigwielgardens.on.ca.
Craigwiel Gardens breaks ground on its new long-term care home in Ailsa Craig.
From left to right:
Rebecca Carr, Director of Data Strategy and Analytics at OLTCA
Elaine Shantz, President and CEO, Craigwiel Gardens
Sarah Campbell, Executive Director, Craigwiel Gardens
Jennifer Gillies, Board Chair, Board of Directors, Craigwiel Gardens
Brian Ropp, Mayor of North Middlesex
Steve Pinsonneault, MPP, Lambton-Kent Middlesex
Jennifer Haliburton, Partner, SRM Architects
Darrell Gerrits, VP Construction, D. Grant Construction
Jocelyn Reid, VP, Real Estate Finance, CMLS Financial, London Office
