Work has started on the Golden Manor redevelopment project.
In order to qualify for provincial funding, shovels had to be in the ground for the project by Aug. 31.
This morning (Aug. 30), work was being done near the south side of the property behind the existing home.
"At this point, the contractor is mobilizing to site and ensuring safety with fencing and parking, as well as some preliminary earthworks to get the site ready, which gets us to the 'shovel in the ground' compliance," said Amanda Dyer, City of Timmins communications co-ordinator.
The official groundbreaking for the project will be in October when provincial ministers are also expected to be in town.
Timmins council was unanimously in favour of redeveloping the municipally operated long-term care home.
Right now, the project cost is $110.9 million. This does not include the interest, which could be as much as $66 million.
The Golden Manor's base funding from the province is $20.53 per bed. By meeting the Aug. 31 construction start, that cash goes up to around $50 per bed.
The new facility will be built on the northwest side of the existing property. Once complete, it will increase the number of long-term care beds to 192. The manor is currently licensed for 177 beds, but is only operating 173 due to requirements since COVID-19 restricting the number of residents per room to two people.
The construction phases presented in early August are:
- August to September 2023 - New parking lot, Jade Avenue
- September to October 2023 - University Street civil upgrades
- August to October 2023 - Golden Manor civil upgrades
- September 2023 to November 2025 - New building construction
- November 2025 - Residents move in
- January 2026 - Special care wing demolition
- April 2026 - Parking lot
- May 2026 - Final sitework