Public consultation is underway for the redevelopment of Sarnia's Sumac Lodge.
A new, state-of-the-art, long-term care facility is proposed on a four acre lot at 1597 London Line.
Revera Canada President JP Cadeau said public consultation is the next step in the Ministry of Long-Term Care's standard process.
"From April 13 to May 12, 2023, written comments will be accepted via email or mail," Cadeau said in a letter that was shared with Sarnia News Today.
The home would transfer its existing 100 beds to the new, much larger, facility that is hoped to accommodate 256 residents.
"It will be built to the latest design standards, featuring lots of natural light, wider hallways, more spacious and air conditioned rooms, soothing colours and other design features that will help make the home as welcoming and comfortable as possible," he said.
Cadeau said 60 per cent of the rooms will be single with a private washroom, and the remaining 40 per cent will be semi-private with two beds, each in their own space, separated by a shared washroom.
"[The facility will] have a neighbourhood feel, with 32 resident home areas in the larger home, each with its own dining area, including a dedicated home area to safely support residents who require a secure environment," said Cadeau.
The city agreed to sell to the London Line site to Revera for $250,000 in May 2021.
At that time the cost to replace the aging Sumac Lodge, at 1464 Blackwell Road, was expected to cost as much as $50 million.
Cadeau said the new facility, approximately three kilometres away from the current home, will be a significant employer. Current staff will transfer to the site and new staff will be hired when it opens.
"While we anticipate the development and construction of the new Sumac Lodge will take three to four years, we look forward to being able to provide specialized long term care to more seniors in the Sarnia community," Cadeau said in a statement to Sarnia News Today.
Construction is conditional on approvals from the Ministry of Long Term Care.
Details about the proposal, and information on how to submit feedback, are posted on the Ministry’s Long-Term Care Licensing Public Consultation website.