A groundbreaking long-term care partnership between First Nations communities, the Town of Espanola, and a local hospital is set to create Canada's first tripartite LTC home. The unique collaboration aims to address the critical shortage of culturally appropriate elder care for Indigenous seniors in Northern Ontario.
Partnership details
The agreement brings together the Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre, the Town of Espanola, and several First Nations, including the Sagamok Anishnawbek and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. The new facility will provide 128 beds, with a significant portion designated for Indigenous residents.
According to the partners, the home will incorporate Indigenous design elements, traditional healing practices, and cultural programming. The project is expected to break ground in 2027 and open by 2029.
Addressing a critical need
Indigenous elders in the region often face barriers accessing culturally safe care, leading to displacement from their communities. This partnership aims to keep elders close to their families and traditional lands.
“This is a historic day for our communities,” said Chief Angus Toulouse of Sagamok Anishnawbek in a statement. “Our elders have waited too long for a place that respects our ways and language.”
Funding and support
The project is funded through Ontario’s Long-Term Care Home Development Program, with the province contributing up to $35 million. The federal government is also providing additional support through the Indigenous Health Transition Fund.
The home is expected to create 150 full-time jobs and reduce waitlists for LTC beds in the region, which currently exceed 400 people.
