This afternoon, the United Counties of
Prescott and Russell (UCPR) held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for
the new Prescott and Russell Residence. Although construction began last
February, the ceremony had to be postponed until now due to the
pandemic.
The new long-term care facility will be located at 900 Spence Avenue in
Hawkesbury, only steps from the Hawkesbury and District General
Hospital. Compared to the existing facility, the new location will offer
78 additional beds for a total of 224. The $90-million project is
supported by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care and the Ministry of
Infrastructure, represented at the event by Ministers Laurie Scott and
Merrilee Fullerton respectively.
“This new building will meet the needs of the community, provide an
excellent quality of life for residents, and ensure that the highest
quality of service and safety standards are maintained for years to
come,” stated Stéphane Sarrazin, Warden of the UCPR.
The new Residence will feature a central public courtyard, internal
courtyards, as well as generous fenestration to ensure excellent
lighting throughout the building. In addition, the plans developed by
the architectural firm HDR include a large multi-purpose room, an
inviting dining room, landscaped outdoor areas, a beauty salon, as well
as comfortable basic, semi-private, and private rooms.
“This major project on which we have been working for a few years now is
among the most significant accomplishments of the UCPR. I am therefore
extremely proud to see the construction is underway, and I would like to
take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders for their
invaluable support,” added Stéphane P. Parisien, Chief Administrative
Officer of the UCPR.
The new workspaces and modern equipment will allow the staff to offer
quality care in a safe environment. Inviting and functional care
stations will be located at the entrance of each living area to best
serve and welcome residents. Additional space has also been planned,
beyond the minimum requirements and standards, to facilitate the daily
operation of the Residence.
“Despite some delays due to the pandemic and market conditions, we are
confident that the General Contractor, HEIN, will complete construction
by the end of 2023 and that the relocation of the first residents will
occur in the second quarter of 2024,” explained Andrew Rodrigues, Senior
Project Manager at Colliers Project Leaders.