The Ontario government has officially broken ground on a new 224-bed long-term care home in Peterborough—marking a major milestone in the province’s plan to modernize care for seniors and expand public health infrastructure across Ontario.
Set to open in 2027, the peopleCare Peterborough long-term care facility will be integrated into Trent University’s Seniors Village, a unique collaboration that will combine clinical care, intergenerational connection, and academic research. The new home will offer a safe, modern living environment for residents, while also becoming a training ground for the next generation of health professionals.
“Today marks a significant milestone for the City of Peterborough,” said Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta. “Once construction is complete, 224 people will have a new home where they can receive the care they need, when they need it.”
A New Model for Long-Term Care
The facility will feature seven “Resident Home Areas” for more personalized care, along with therapy rooms, a quiet room, a secure courtyard, and even a multipurpose spiritual space. Most notably, the facility will include dedicated teaching and research areas for Trent University students and faculty, reinforcing the role of higher education in public health delivery.
Dr. Cathy Bruce, President & Vice-Chancellor of Trent University, praised the initiative, noting:
“Trent University is a globally recognized leader in aging studies. We are looking forward to advancing best-practice care here in Peterborough and for all Ontarians.”
Investing in Ontario’s Aging Population
This project is part of Ontario’s broader commitment to build 58,000 new and redeveloped long-term care beds across the province. As of July 2025, 148 projects representing 24,101 beds are either complete, under construction, or approved for construction.
The new home is being supported through the province’s updated Capital Funding Program (CFP), which offers a more responsive funding model to address regional challenges like labour shortages and rising construction costs.
“This home is more than just a building; it’s a promise to our seniors,” said MPP Dave Smith (Peterborough—Kawartha). “It’s a commitment to their safety, comfort, and well-being.”
Project Snapshot:
-
Facility Name: peopleCare Peterborough
-
Location: Trent University Seniors Village
-
Capacity: 224 long-term care beds
-
Opening: Expected in 2027
-
Key Partners: Ministry of Long-Term Care, peopleCare, Trent University
-
Features: Resident Home Areas, research and teaching space, spiritual room, therapy facilities, landscaped courtyard
Why It Matters
With Ontario’s population aging rapidly, innovative health infrastructure projects like this help reduce hospital strain, enhance quality of life, and create opportunities for health care innovation.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Trent and create something truly unique,” said Brent Gingerich, Chairman and CEO of peopleCare. “A centre of excellence where clinical best practices, teaching, research and intergenerational connections come together.”
Public Health Watch Takeaway
From ground-breaking care to intergenerational research, the new peopleCare Peterborough facility reflects the future of long-term care in Ontario—rooted in innovation, community, and compassion.
📍 Public Health Watch is GTA Weekly’s lens on the health and wellness issues shaping our region—from long-term care to community clinics and everything in between.
Follow us @GTAWeeklyNews for more stories on health infrastructure, care access, and public health planning across Ontario.
Leave a Reply