The County of Lambton is aiming to raise at least $1.5 million toward enhancements to its Small House project, underway at Lambton Meadowview Villa (LMV).
A public fundraiser has been launched for the project, for those living with dementia, at the Petrolia-based long term care home.
The total construction budget for the Small House, the first of its kind in Ontario, was $9 million and the planning and design cost another $1.4 million.
There's also a $1.7 million contingency fund.
The addition was largely funded by reserves and provincial money.
Despite that, Lambton Meadowview Villa Administrator Jennifer Beaubien said they weren't able to include all of the amenities they wanted to.
The initial tender came in over budget and they were forced to scale back.
"There are some enhancements that had to go through value engineering that would be ideal for those who are living in the home and making it more of a special space for those who are living with dementia," said Beaubien. "A lot of our planned outdoor space (had to be eliminated), like plantings and welcoming furniture and things like that for people to enjoy the outdoors. That's one area we really hope to improve with this fundraising campaign. We want to make an outdoor space that's welcoming and calming for everyone."
Beaubien said those living with dementia don't always thrive in busy social settings.
"Just more people, more things happening, overstimulating," she said. "There's always something happening in this small environment. The design of it is just so that people can walk, maybe they walk down a path. There's a certain garden there for them. There's a private garden in the center, so they just have more space."
She said the harsh winter has slowed the process a bit but it's hoped the first resident can move into the facility in December.
Beaubien said they'll be adding 16 staff members to the team, including Personal Support Workers, nurses, dietary and culinary staff.
Donations by cash or cheque are being accepted.
Those donating by cheque are asked to make it payable to the “County of Lambton” and include “Small House” in the memo field.
Cash and cheque donations may be dropped off in person at either Lambton Meadowview Villa at 3958 Petrolia Line, or the County of Lambton Administration Building at 789 Broadway Street in Wyoming.
You can visit the County of Lambton's website for more information.
