Getting closer to completion
Construction of O’Leary community care home to begin this year
O’LEARY – It’s been more than seven years since the Community Seniors Cooperative Ltd. (CSCL) started working toward building a new community care facility in O’Leary, and Sally Lockhart, chair of the CSCL board, is thrilled that the dream is one step closer to becoming reality.
“We’ve had to temper our excitement for so long that in some ways, we’re more in shock that we actually are this close to building,” said Lockhart, who had been part of the project since it began in 2014.
“It’s been a long haul, but we’re definitely excited.”
In her opinion, a new care home is something the town has needed for a while.
“I’m sure you’re well aware of the tsunami of seniors that are going to be around for the next 10, 20 years at least,” said Lockhart. “In West Prince, we have an even larger proportion of seniors, and a larger population of seniors for whom an affordable alternative, when they can no longer live at home, is really important.”
While there is one care
home in O’Leary already – Lady Slipper Villa – Lockhart noted that it’s an older building.
The new facility, she added, would also be a non-profit cooperative home.
Although the group was formed in 2014, Lockhart said they had struggled to secure funding for the facility for a few years.
“We were falling through all the cracks,” she said. “Either we were too much of a business or too much or a charity or not-for-profit.”
In 2017, though, they learned that because the units would be affordable housing, the home was eligible for a mortgage from the Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation and got a seed grant from them to start.
According to Lockhart, “it’s been full-steam ahead ever since.”
At that time, the CSCL hoped to start construction in mid to late 2018. Since 2017, though, Lockhart and the group learned how long the process would take, from applying for the funds to securing the property.
“Everything takes three times longer than you think it should,” she said.
As of early February, the biggest tasks left to complete are getting the construction document details, securing funding and finalizing the land transfer.
Once that’s done, Lockhart said it won’t be long before construction can begin.
“We’re on the final requirements, now.”
CLOSE TO THE FINISH LINE
Near the end of 2020, the CSCL began a fundraising campaign, hoping to raise $500,000 toward the construction of the facility. As of mid-January, the group had received more than $216,000 in donations from 150 groups and individuals.
“The community has been quite supportive,” said Lockhart, noting that they had not been able to hold any fundraising events during the pandemic.
In December 2020, the municipality had also contributed $275,000 toward the construction of the new home.
Mayor Eric Gavin is excited for a new care facility to open in the area.
“It’s one of the best things that ever happened to this town,” said Gavin. “It’s something that is needed, and it’s going to be a great thing for the residents to move in.”
The community care facility – which had recently been named The Willows – will have room for 50 residents, with private rooms and private half-bathrooms.
Units are meant to be affordable, targeted towards seniors in the area who need more services and support than they are currently getting.
The facility, also, will be energy-efficient and netzero-ready, with solar panels and geothermal heating. The building, Lockhart said, will generate as much of its own energy as it can.
“We’re quite excited,” said Lockhart.
The facility will be located on Royal Avenue in O’Leary. Construction is expected to begin in 2022; Lockhart hopes that it will be open for residents in 2023.