Construction is officially underway on a significant expansion at Hoivakoti Finlandia Nursing Home in Sudbury, Ontario. The project will add 32 modern long-term care beds to the existing 112-bed facility, helping meet growing demand while creating local job opportunities for tradespeople and contractors. The new section is expected to open to residents in fall 2026 and will also provide a valuable educational hub for future care professionals.
A Purpose-Built Expansion for Quality Care
The 32 new beds will all be in private rooms, reflecting modern healthcare standards aimed at improving resident comfort, infection control, and personal privacy. These new accommodations are part of a provincial push to increase capacity in long-term care homes, where demand continues to rise due to an aging population.
“Congratulations to the team on the new construction at Hoivakoti Finlandia Nursing Home. Our government is fixing long-term care, and a key part of that plan is building capacity where Ontarians need it. Today marks a significant milestone for Greater Sudbury. When construction is complete, 32 additional residents will have a safe and modern place to call home.”
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care | John Jordan
Located in Sudbury’s Minnow Lake neighbourhood, Finlandia is a multi-service seniors’ campus. In addition to long-term care, it offers other forms of supportive housing. The expansion aligns with Ontario’s broader commitment to develop and upgrade 58,000 long-term care beds across the province.
Design and Structural Features
Ontario Newsroom reports that the new wing will rise from completed site preparations, with foundation work set to begin shortly. Once complete, the building will stand as a purpose-built, fully integrated extension of the existing facility. Construction will include:
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Concrete foundations and slab-on-grade base to support the expansion’s structural load.
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Wood or steel frame construction (method not specified, but common for facilities of this type).
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Brick and/or siding exterior cladding to match the existing building’s aesthetics and ensure long-term durability.
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Pitched roofing systems may be included, depending on final design, to aid in water runoff and insulation efficiency.
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Soundproofing and insulation to maintain a quiet, comfortable environment for seniors.
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Mechanical, HVAC, and electrical systems will be extended and upgraded to meet the increased building demands, ensuring proper climate control and energy efficiency throughout.
The expansion will be connected to the existing building, requiring careful structural and service integration—an area of focus for skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and framing crews.
Onsite Training Facility
A key feature of the project is a new 3,000-square-foot lower level that will serve as a training facility for staff and students from nearby colleges and universities. This dedicated education space is designed to support hands-on learning in a clinical environment, helping grow the future workforce in long-term care.
Work here will involve:
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Interior partitioning to create classroom-style and simulation spaces.
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Installation of clinical equipment and furnishings that reflect real-world care scenarios.
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Advanced electrical and IT infrastructure to support instructional technologies and simulation tools.
Amenities That Support Holistic Well-being
Beyond essential health services, Finlandia’s facility includes several resident-centered amenities such as a fitness centre, physiotherapy centre, and beauty salon. These features emphasize the home’s focus on whole-person wellness and enrich the daily lives of residents.
While not part of the new construction, these existing amenities will benefit from increased service capacity and potentially upgraded access and finishes in shared corridors or entryways during the expansion.
Project Funding and Jobs
The total project is estimated at $36 million, with about $12 million coming from Ontario’s Construction Funding Subsidy top-up—a program aimed at supporting capital construction in the long-term care sector. The remainder will be financed by the Finlandia seniors' complex through a combination of fundraising and private loans.
The construction phase alone is expected to create numerous job opportunities for local trades and skilled workers, including:
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Site excavation and grading contractors
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Concrete formers and finishers
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Framers and drywall crews
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Plumbers and electricians
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HVAC installers and ductwork specialists
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Roofing and waterproofing experts
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Painters and interior finishers
From groundworks to final handover, workers in the construction field will be involved at every stage of the project, making it a critical local employment generator in addition to its long-term healthcare impact.
Conclusion
The expansion of Hoivakoti Finlandia Nursing Home is more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a commitment to delivering quality care and investing in the future of Ontario’s long-term care system. With thoughtful design, skilled construction, and an emphasis on workforce development, this project is set to make a lasting impact on both the seniors who will call it home and the workers building it. As construction progresses, Finlandia stands as a model for how strategic investment and strong community values can come together to create spaces that truly serve.
