Shovels in the ground for new peopleCare long-term care home in Stratford

A rendering shows the outdoor space planned for the new peopleCare long-term care home in Stratford, which is expected to welcome residents in 2027.

Construction is officially underway at the site of the new 288-bed peopleCare long-term care home on Vivian Line 37 in Stratford, following a groundbreaking ceremony held on July 17.

The state-of-the-art facility is expected to open its doors to residents in 2027.

“This is more than just building a beautiful new home for seniors,” said peopleCare chairman and CEO Brent Gingerich. “It’s about investing in Stratford and in the wellbeing of this community for generations to come. Through this home we’re creating jobs, supporting families and delivering the exceptional care and experiences our residents deserve.”

The home’s design will feature nine resident home areas (RHAs), each offering a more intimate and familiar living space for up to 32 residents. RHAs will include both standard and private rooms, each with access to dedicated balconies.

Amenities will include therapy rooms, a chapel, walking paths, dining and activity lounges, and a full-service barber and salon.

Last week’s celebration brought together community partners and local leaders, including Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma.

“It is great to welcome peopleCare back to Stratford and celebrate the ground-breaking of their new long-term care home,” said Rae. “Our seniors helped build our province and country, and our provincial government will be there to support them in their golden years. This redevelopment will ensure that more of our seniors have access to health care close to home.”

The event also included second-generation leaders Mary and O’Derald Gingerich, along with Bob and Myrna Schlegel, who co-founded the original peopleCare Stratford home. Their son, Kirby Schlegel, attended the ceremony as a development partner.

“It was a proud family moment, with their son Kirby Schlegel also in attendance as a development partner on the project,” read a statement from peopleCare.

“This is a bit of a full circle moment for me,” said Kirby. “I grew up watching my mom and dad make a difference in healthcare. Their commitment to seniors’ care shaped the values I carry with me today.”

The new home will help reduce pressure on existing long-term care facilities in the region and free up hospital beds for acute care patients.

“Our government has a plan to improve long-term care, and a key part of that plan is building modern, safe and comfortable homes,” said Kusendova-Bashta. “Today marks a significant milestone for the community of Stratford. When construction is complete, 288 residents will have a modern, comfortable place to call home.”

In Huron, Perth and Oxford counties, the waitlist for long-term care is nearly double the number of licensed beds currently available.

The Stratford project is supported by the province through the Construction Funding Subsidy top-up.