N.S. puts new seniors’ home on hold citing too many infrastructure projects in Cape Breton

The Nova Scotia government has announced a delay in the construction of a new seniors’ home in Cape Breton, citing an overwhelming number of ongoing projects in the area. The MacGillivray Guest Home in Sydney, which is 58 years old, was promised a new building over three years ago. Frank Howell, chair of the guest home’s foundation, expressed frustration with the government’s decision, stating that a two-year delay would push the completion of the new building five years down the road.

Funding for the project was approved last year, and the construction was tendered. However, the province recently decided to put the construction on hold. The Department of Seniors and Long-term Care explained that due to several large infrastructure projects already underway in Cape Breton, the construction of the seniors’ home has been paused. They assured that they will continue to monitor the construction market in Cape Breton closely and will resume the project when the time is right.

The MacGillivray Guest Home currently has 82 long-term care beds, and the new building was supposed to increase the capacity to 97 beds. A recent study revealed that the existing building does not meet the province’s standards, with 22 features identified as subpar, including shared rooms and narrow doorways that are not wheelchair accessible. The building’s rooms are also reportedly half the size needed for seniors’ housing.

Howell emphasized the urgent need for a new facility, highlighting the challenges faced by residents due to the inadequate infrastructure. He mentioned that while the staff’s standard of care is excellent, the building itself is not up to par. He stressed the importance of providing a comfortable and safe environment for the residents.

The board overseeing the project had to make significant cuts to the initial budget after receiving a tender that exceeded expectations. Howell expressed concerns that further delays could result in higher costs if the project needs to be retendered. He suggested splitting the project into stages to expedite the process and ensure that construction can begin promptly.

In conclusion, the MacGillivray Guest Home replacement project is essential for providing quality care to seniors in Cape Breton. Residents and their families have been eagerly awaiting the start of construction, and it is crucial to expedite the process to meet the growing demand for long-term care facilities in the area. The government’s commitment to improving long-term care across the province by 2032 underscores the importance of prioritizing this project and ensuring timely completion.