Eastholme Home for the Aged in Powassan is receiving more than $5.3 million in provincial and federal money.
The funding will go toward the home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It will also go toward the installation of new windows to improve air quality.
“With these funds, we will be able to make the necessary improvements to our ageing automated air exchangers and air conditioning units,” stated Jim Coleman, Chair of the Eastholme Board of Management. “These repairs will aid us to continue providing the best possible care to our residents at Eastholme.”
Coleman adds the funding comes at a good time.
“The last rebuild we had there was over 20 years ago. We have a lot of ageing equipment and things that need to be updated,” he said.
The money comes from an overall $100 million investment through the provincial and federal governments to improve HVAC systems in Ontario’s LTC facilities.
“This investment will benefit many of the most vulnerable people in our community, providing them with the comfortable and safe living spaces they deserve,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “Our government puts the safety and well-being of long-term care residents at the heart of everything we do.”
Anthony Rota, MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming adds he’s happy to see the investment in his riding.
“Providing high-efficiency heating and air conditioning for the residents of Eastholme Home for the Aged will lead to a better quality of life for seniors who have given so much to our community over the years,” said Rota.
Eastholme is a 128-bed facility that is supported by the municipalities in Parry Sound East. Coleman says the home has only had a couple of COVID-19 scares throughout the pandemic, with no infections being reported inside the facility.
With all the residents vaccinated and money to do some renovations, Coleman believes good times are ahead.
“We’re very pleased with how our administration and staff have handled things,” he said. “I think we’re heading toward good times. We’re a long way away but we’re working toward it.”
