NEWS RELEASE
DOUG DOWNEY, BARRIE-SPRINGWATER-ORO-MEDONTE MPP
*****************
As part of its plan to stay open and manage COVID-19 for the long term, the Ontario government is investing up to $85,877 to seven licensed retirement homes in Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte.
This is the first round of new funding for infection protection and control (IPAC), personal protective equipment (PPE) and extra support for resident care. This is part of the province’s $18-million investment to licensed retirement homes across the province to ensure they have the additional tools they need to continue enhanced COVID-19 safety measures and protect the most vulnerable.
“Throughout this pandemic, our retirement homes have worked hard to protect the health of their staff, residents and visitors,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte. “This additional funding will help continue to protect and support those working through the pandemic.”
The additional funding will be used for infection screening, cleaning supplies and enhanced sanitization, replacement HEPA filters, extra staff to support resident care, and PPE to keep residents and staff safe. This investment is in addition to the $68.9 million in additional support the province provided to the retirement home sector since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The retirement homes in Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte that are receiving funding are:
- $14,109 to Amica Little Lake
- $9,577 to Barrie Manor Senior Living
- $11,543 to Chartwell Whispering Pines Retirement Residence
- $9,522 to Mulcaster Mews
- $14,273 to Simcoe Terrace
- $17,549 to Waterford Barrie Retirement Residence
- $9,304 to Woods Park Care Centre
A new round of IPAC, PPE and extra support for resident care will happen this summer.
“Ontario’s retirement homes provide a caring and safe place for many seniors to live,” said Raymond Cho, minister for seniors and accessibility. “Our government will always step up to help residents and staff stay healthy and secure as we continue to manage COVID-19 for the long term.”
Licensed retirement homes can request reimbursement for funds spent to purchase IPAC products, new air filters, and to offset the cost of increased staff needed for COVID screening, testing, monitoring and audits, and resident care and engagement.
The Ontario Retirement Communities Association will distribute the reimbursed funds to eligible licensed retirement homes on behalf of the Ontario government.
*****************
