New Long-Term Care Homes to Be Built in Pleasantville

Two new long-term care homes will be constructed on the site of the former Janeway Properties in Pleasantville, replacing the Hoyles-Escasoni complex in St. John�s. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Transportation and Works (Acting), made the announcement today. They were joined by Vickie Kaminski, President and Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Health.

�This announcement brings us one step closer to construction of two new long-term care homes for St. John�s and surrounding area,� said Minister Kennedy. �The new four-storey complex, which is expected to encompass an area of approximately 37,000 square meters, will see two long-term care homes joined by a core building. The investment reflects our government�s continued commitment to investing in health care infrastructure throughout our province and to planning now to address the future needs of our aging population.�

The Provincial Government announced it would establish two new long-term care homes to replace the Hoyles-Escasoni complex in October 2008. Budget 2009 included $3 million for design and site work. Newfoundland Design Associates was awarded the contract to conduct a comprehensive site selection process which began in the spring of 2009. Seven locations were considered in total. The Pleasantville site was determined to be the preferred site based on several aspects including assessments of topography and physical properties, environmental considerations, location and access and zoning.

Hearn Fougere Architects was awarded the design contract in July 2009. The current design concept for the homes includes two main residential buildings joined by a shared core building which will contain space for food services, housekeeping, facilities maintenance, education and staff wellness. The two homes will include resident care units with 460 beds in total, as well as space for recreation therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and spirituality. The new homes will feature modern, home-like environments and will address seniors� health and social needs while encouraging choice, independence and mobility.

�While the space is already zoned for institutional purposes, the Provincial Government will continue to consult with the City of St. John�s and area residents to ensure a smooth transition for the new homes into the Pleasantville neighbourhood,� said Minister Marshall.�

�We are delighted with plans to build two new homes for our current and future long-term care residents,� said Ms. Kaminski. �These new homes will provide a high quality and state-of-the-art physical environment that will enable staff to continue to provide enhanced care to long-term care residents into the future. With changing needs and an aging population, we are pleased that there will be increased capacity in the new facilities that will enable us to meet those changing needs on an ongoing basis. Hoyles-Escasoni has proudly served the long-term care residents for several decades. Once constructed, these new facilities will allow us to continue that proud service for decades to come.�

The removal of hazardous materials from the site and the demolition of the former Janeway Apartments is currently underway and is expected to be complete by next spring. The first tender for construction is expected to be called in the spring of 2010. It is anticipated that the homes will begin operating in late 2013.

In addition to this project, the Provincial Government has invested $110 million in the construction of three new long-term care homes in Clarenville, Corner Brook and Happy-Valley Goose Bay and has committed to additional long-term care homes in Lewisporte and Carbonear.

�Our province�s population is aging faster than any other Canadian jurisdiction,� said Minister Kennedy. �We made a commitment to upgrade and modernize long-term care homes in Newfoundland and Labrador so that we are prepared to respond to the needs of seniors who may require long-term care now or in the future. Programming and design work has already begun on these new homes, so we are well on our way to see this project become a reality.�

This initiative is part of the Provincial Government�s Budget 2009 infrastructure strategy which allocated $76 million this year for investments in health care facilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Video of Ministers' News Conference

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To accompany this release, pictures of the architectural concept drawings of the new homes are available on the News Releases site at www.gov.nl.ca/releases or on the News Release Photos site at www.gov.nl.ca/releases/gallery.

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