Construction is officially underway on a new 160-bed long-term care home that will bring state-of-the-art elder care facilities to the grounds of Prince Edward County’s H.J. McFarland Memorial Home. Located along Picton’s Main Street, just east of downtown, this project marks a pivotal investment in Ontario’s long-term care system and a boost to the local construction and skilled trades sector.
A Modern Vision for Long-Term Care
Backed by the Ontario government’s Construction Funding Subsidy top-up, this development is part of the province’s broader strategy to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds as outlined in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario. The focus is on quality of life, safety, and comfort for long-term care residents—delivered through modern infrastructure and thoughtfully designed living environments.
The new facility will prioritize a homelike atmosphere with:
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Private resident spaces to enhance dignity and personal comfort
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Vibrant home areas that foster community and interaction
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Communal activity rooms for recreation, therapy, and spiritual services
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On-site services including nursing care, dietary support, and therapeutic programs
Amenities such as a hair salon, gallery, resident lounge, and landscaped outdoor walking paths with sitting areas will contribute to a holistic living experience.
“Our government is working to protect Ontario by investing in projects like this new long-term-care home in Prince Edward County to ensure seniors get the right care in the right place. Today marks a significant milestone for the county as when construction is complete, 160 residents will have a new modern, comfortable place to call home.”
Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Long-Term Care | John Jordan
Resident-Centered Design
The Intelligencer reports that the new home will provide more private rooms and a modernized facility. This aligns with the province’s long-term care improvement strategy, which is built on four pillars:
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Staffing and care
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Quality and enforcement
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Modern, safe, and comfortable infrastructure
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Faster and more accessible service connections
Construction and Trades Involved
From groundbreaking to final occupancy, the project will involve a wide range of construction professionals and skilled trades, including:
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Site preparation crews for land clearing and grading
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Excavation and foundation specialists to lay the groundwork for the structure
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Concrete workers for slab pouring and structural supports
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Steel and framing crews to build the building’s skeleton
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Roofers and exterior finishers for weatherproofing and façade completion
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Electricians and HVAC technicians for essential system installations
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Plumbers for internal water and sewage lines
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Interior finishers, including drywallers, painters, and floor installers
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Millworkers and cabinetry trades for custom resident and common area furnishings
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Landscape architects and laborers for designing and installing outdoor amenities
The inclusion of medical service spaces, dietary and recreation areas, and accessibility-focused design will also require coordination with specialty contractors experienced in healthcare construction.
Economic and Workforce Benefits
The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for local trades and suppliers over the next two years, with ripple effects for the regional economy. The long lead time before residents are expected to move in (scheduled for 2027) gives contractors and labor providers time to plan and secure resources accordingly.
Additionally, construction of this nature provides upskilling opportunities for apprentices and journeypersons alike, especially those specializing in healthcare, senior living, and public-sector developments.
Ontario's Broader Plan
The Prince Edward County long-term care home is just one example of the innovative steps Ontario is taking to meet the demand for senior care. These include:
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Modernizing the provincial funding model
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Unlocking value from unused public lands
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Utilizing hospital-owned properties for urgent housing development
The province’s proactive approach is not just about new buildings—it’s about preparing for the demographic shift in aging populations and ensuring infrastructure is in place to support it.
Looking Ahead
When it opens its doors in 2027, this new long-term care facility will stand as a model for future-ready elder care—designed not only for functionality and comfort but also for community integration and operational efficiency.
For construction professionals, it represents another example of the growing market for healthcare infrastructure projects—demanding expertise in both technical delivery and compassionate design.
