Drilling and blasting at new long-term care home begins March 16

Drilling and blasting operations are to begin at 90 Finnegan Drive starting Monday, March 16.

The municipality states the contractor for the new long-term care home encountered rock during the installation of the sanitary sewer – which can only be removed through drilling and blasting.

Drilling and blasting operations are expected to take place until Monday, April 20 (Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) If more time is required beyond that period, the municipality is to provide an update to the community.

Three long sirens will be sounded prior to the blast to warn of imminent blast.

The County’s new long-term care home is to be 124,500 square foot – nearly doubling current capacity at HJ McFarland Memorial Home from 84 to 160 long-term care beds.

The building is to feature five 32-bed ‘resident home areas’, each offering a home-like environment with improved privacy, accessibility, and comfort. Plans also include upgraded infection-prevention standards and a strong focus on community well-being.

The new home is located on municipally-owned land beside the current building, ensuring residents continue receiving uninterrupted care during the transition.

The home is expected to be complete by the spring of 2027.

Design brief look at the long term care building

County council, in November 2024, approved a $67.1 million tender to Matheson Constructors Limited. The capital costs for the build are estimated at $94,700,000 ($83 million construction and $11.7 million furniture, fixtures and equipment). The municipality was successful in its loan application with Infrastructure Ontario and, obtained credit approval for the loan request of $80,432,765.27. With grant revenues, more than $68 million is to be debentured.