The Provincial Government is providing a $412,000 term loan to the Straits-St. Barbe Chronic Care Corporation to expand Ivy Durley Place, a personal care home for seniors in Flower�s Cove. The extension enables the home to increase its capacity and help satisfy a growing demand for services for seniors in the area.

"An expanded personal care facility for seniors fills a much-needed gap along the northwest coast of the Northern Peninsula," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "As a government, we are committed to providing the necessary resources to assist organizations seek new opportunities. These resources not only support innovative enterprises but reflect our commitment to investing in infrastructure that strengthens our rural communities."

Opened in 1998, the expansion to Ivy Durley Place includes the addition of six rooms increasing its capacity to 27 rooms. Groundwork, ventilation, plumping, and electrical work will also be completed by fall 2008.

"The Straits-St. Barbe Chronic Care Corporation is pleased with the financing provided and is thankful that the Provincial Government supported its vision," said Judy Way, CEO, the Straits-St. Barbe Chronic Care Corporation. "We cannot forget that our seniors valued role in our community. Our aim through further fundraising is to complete the expansion and a multi-purpose room to serve the seniors in the area from Castor River South to Eddies Cove East."

The Straits-St. Barbe Chronic Care Corporation is a non-profit organization administered by a 12-member board of volunteers. It re-invests all revenue into its operations aimed at providing services and care for local seniors.

Financial support was provided through the Small to Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Fund. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the SME Fund is available for start-up, modernization, or expansion of a business venture in key growth sectors. A maximum of $500,000 is available per project at the department�s base rate of three per cent of investment with an applicant investment of up to 20 per cent of project costs.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca