Officials gathered Friday, July 25, 2025, for a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Presqu'ile Place in Brighton. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
In summer 2027, Presqu’ile Place – Brighton’s new 256-bed long-term care home – is set to welcome its first residents.
Construction is underway now on the new $100-million-plus, four-storey facility at 20 Georgina St.
Local and provincial politicians, staff, area residents and more gathered on Friday, July 25 for an official ground-breaking ceremony and delved into the vision for the new build and benefits like improved care and the creation of hundreds of jobs, while also calling the redevelopment project a “major catalyst for our economy.”
“We are grateful to Omni Quality Living and the Province of Ontario for choosing Brighton for their latest long-term care development,” says Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander.
“This project represents more than just bricks and mortar – it’s a commitment to compassionate care, community growth and the well-being of our residents,” he says. “We’re proud to welcome this investment in our municipality and are grateful for the collaboration between all levels of government and the private sector that (has) made it possible.”
For Ostrander, the ground-breaking felt more like “crossing the finish line,” despite construction work just starting in recent months with this project years in the making.
He tells us more about his big takeaway following Friday’s ceremony.
Attendees heard Presqu’ile Place – which will bring three area Omni homes under one roof, including Brighton’s Maplewood – will feature eight resident home areas (RHAs) designed to create a more intimate and familiar living space.
The new name pays tribute to Brighton’s flagship and picturesque Presqu’ile Provincial Park.
“On behalf of Omni Quality Living, we’re thrilled to be breaking ground on Presqu’ile Place,” adds President and CEO Raheem Hirji. “The new 256 beds will feature a combination of basic and private rooms and brand-new spacious home areas with amenity space.”
The RHAs will include dining and activity areas, lounges, and bedrooms with balconies.
“The home’s amenities are designed to foster resident engagement and support overall quality of life,” reads a recent provincial release.
The new home will also feature additional amenities such as outdoor gardens and seating, a place of worship, multi-purpose rooms, a bistro, hair salon, and barbershop.
While also reflecting on how the project has been years in the making when it comes to zoning, municipal and provincial approvals and extensive co-ordination with a number of stakeholders, Hirji gave thanks to project partners Friday, including the Ontario government for its support in helping to build much-needed capacity for seniors.
According to provincial officials on hand Friday – including Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta and MPP David Piccini – the project is the recipient of a construction funding subsidy top-up, and is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario with good jobs and build for the future, while ensuring residents get the quality of care and life they deserve.
“Our government is protecting Ontarians and strengthening our long-term care sector by building more homes where Ontario families need them most,” says Kusendova-Bashta. “Today marks a significant milestone for Northumberland County.
“When construction is complete, 256 residents will have a modern, comfortable home where they can access the care they need.”
Meanwhile, Hirji also vows that despite the large scale, resident-centred care will remain the focus.
Hirji tells us more about the actual build and area partners.
Piccini called the ceremony an exciting milestone for the community and area families, saying his government will continue to deliver on long-term care commitments, including when it comes to training new health-care workers who will ultimately make Presqu’ile Place a true home.
“Presqu’ile Place represents more than just a building – it’s a commitment to making sure our seniors have the support and surroundings they deserve, close to the people and places they care about,” he continues.
He is also praising the Municipality of Brighton and additional partners for their efforts in advancing the project.
According to the province, the project is part of the government’s progress towards building 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across Ontario, as outlined in its 2025 budget. As of July, officials report that 148 projects representing a total of more than 24,100 new and redeveloped beds are either under construction or have ministry approval for construction.
The province’s release states that the construction funding subsidy top-up initiative was first introduced in 2022, “resulting in the largest construction of long-term care projects the government has achieved in a single year.”
Eligible projects receive a top-up of $35 per bed per day for 25 years with additional supports for not-for-profits, reads the release.
Meanwhile, officials say work continues at “historic investment levels” with the introduction of the 2025 long-term care capital funding program and the launch of a new construction funding support program to help build more modern, safe and comfortable homes for residents.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
