Thunder Bay – Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford announced over $5.6 million to long-term care homes in Thunder Bay, Fort Frances, Rainy River and Atikokan to protect against COVID-19.
This joined effort from the federal and provincial governments will see the implementation of four projects that will improve long-term care homes in Fort Frances, Rainy River, Atikokan and Thunder Bay.
This funding is also part of a $100 million investment to install heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and make retrofits or repairs to fire sprinkler systems, in 95 long-term care homes across the province.
The federal government is contributing $4,501,264 towards these projects through the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the provincial government is contributing $1,125,316.
“The COVID-19 stream, implemented in response to the pandemic, allows the Government of Canada to invest up to 80 per cent in projects that support provinces and up to 100 per cent in projects that support territories and Indigenous communities in their response to the pandemic,” the press release stated.
The majority of this funding will used to make upgrades and improvements to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and sprinkler system.
Rainycrest long-term care home and Riverside Health Care facilities in Fort Frances are receiving $1,948,315.
Henry Gauthier, president and CEO of Riverside Health Care Facilities, said this funding recognizes the need for timely and targeted investments at Rainycrest, Fort Frances, and Rainy River long-term care homes.
“Upgraded HVAC and sprinkler systems will enhance the comfort and safety of our residents and staff,” Gauthier said. “This collaboration between the federal and provincial governments ensures Riverside Health Care is able to continue to provide the highest quality of care in our long-term care homes during these unprecedented times.”
Atikokan General Hospital is receiving $1,860,700, Rainy River Health Centre and Riverside Healthcare facilities is receiving $1,477,565 and St. Joseph Care Group and Hogarth Riverview Manor in Thunder Bay is receiving $340,000.
Rickford said this investment will ensure long-term care in our communities are upgraded to protect seniors against COVID-19 and beyond with better air quality and ventilation.
“We are making sure our loved ones have the comfortable and safe living spaces they deserve,” Rickford said. “During COVID-19 we continue to put the safety and well-being of long-term care residents at the heart of everything we do.”
Where the funds are needed
Rainycrest will receive up to $1,948,315 to:
- Install Class D Sprinkler System in the existing LTC home that currently has no sprinkler system.
- Safeguard building, contents and building service equipment
- Provide a safe environment for staff, patients, clients and residents. Eliminate risk.
- Install an appropriate sprinkler system within the Home for optimal fire safety.
- Install a new energy efficient HVAC A/C system to provide reliable heating, cooling, air filtration and ventilation throughout the LTC home in order to provide the most appropriate care and working conditions.
Rainy River Health Centre will receive up to $1,477,565 to:
- Remove and replace the existing thin-walled dry pipe system within the attic. Current system piping is corroding and leaking which is jeopardizing system & building operation, staff, resident and patient well being and safety, as well as damaging building contents and capital. Project includes upgrades: civil work, insulation removal, new sprinkler piping supply/install, new blown-in insulation and engineering design.
- Upgrade the HVAC A/C system to provide reliable heating, cooling, filtration and ventilation throughout the facility.
