Sites selected for Corner Brook long-term care facility

Premier Danny Williams, MHA for Humber West, along with Loyola Sullivan acting Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East, today announced two sites have been selected in Corner Brook to house the new long-term care development confirmed to begin this year. The Premier and Minister Marshall were in Corner Brook for the official announcement.

"We have repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to the construction of a new, high quality long-term care facility in Corner Brook, most recently in our budget with a substantial $2.7 million investment to proceed with detailed design and initial site work," said Premier Williams. "Selecting the sites for the future nursing home and dementia units represents concerted action towards the construction of these facilities. We are very pleased to announce today that we have worked with stakeholders to identify the best site, and we look forward to proceeding with the next phase and breaking ground as soon as this fall."

Property at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College at the end of University Drive, owned by Memorial University has been identified as the site for the future nursing home. In addition, land parcels on the east end of Wheeler�s Road, owned by the City of Corner Brook will house duplexes designed as a new care model of supportive housing for persons with dementia. Site selection will be finalized on both sites through discussions with Memorial University�s Board of Regents and the City of Corner Brook.

"This represents a major stride in our plan to improve the quality-of-life for long-term care residents in Corner Brook," said Minister Sullivan. "Our seniors will have better access to a wider range of options for care through both residential care and supportive housing. This model offers a flexible approach to accommodate seniors who don�t require or desire traditional nursing care."

MHA for Humber East, Minister Tom Marshall says Corner Brook residents will see this project become a reality. "Corner Brook will have an outstanding facility that will provide the necessary care to meet the needs of our rapidly aging population and offer a true home where residents can live in dignity. I am delighted that we are moving forward with this important project for the region."

"Sir Wilfred Grenfell College (SWGC) commends government�s decision to locate the new long-term care facility within the environs of the university. We welcome this strategic investment because it not only provides much needed support to our community but opens a new link between SWGC and the health sector," said Dr. John Ashton, principal, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. "The proximity of the long-term care facility to the Grenfell campus will allow the university to better address a spectrum of teaching and research activity in support of the elderly, a need that is expected to heighten in light of current demographic trends."

"Teaching and research activities at Grenfell encompass nursing, arts, fines arts and environmental disciplines, all of which can significantly contribute to the well-being of the elderly. Government�s decision to co-locate at Grenfell is a key step in building capacity in the region and is evidence of a strong vision," added Dr. Ashton. "We are delighted to collaborate with our community partners in government, health care and the municipality to facilitate an initiative that will benefit our city and the western region as a whole."

"The university has been aware of the possibility of such a facility being located on the university's west coast campus," said Dr. Axel Meisen, president of Memorial University. "I am pleased that plans for a long-term care facility on Sir Wilfred Grenfell College�s campus are now moving ahead. Such a facility presents excellent opportunities for teaching and research concerning elder care, and represents a significant new learning dimension for the nursing program on the west coast. I am confident the university's Board of Regents will consider the government's proposal in light of the benefits for Grenfell College and for the wider community." The Board of Regents will have its regular meeting on May 24, 2005.

In Budget 2005, government announced a series of strategic investments in future long-term care facilities to build upon its Blueprint commitment to upgrade long-term care facilities across the province. Corner Brook was the first site identified, followed by Clarenville and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"In recognition of the need in this region, I made a commitment to the people of the west coast and today is another step in the process. We are pleased with the progress to date, and look forward to breaking ground for these facilities," added Premier Williams.

In December 2004, the Corner Brook branch of SGE Acres Limited was selected to complete preliminary assessments of potential sites.

Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500; elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Carolyn Chaplin, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377, 682-5093

2005 05 18                                 11:55 a.m.