Local long-term care development seeking new general contractor

Sienna Senior Living says the construction of its Northern Heights Care Community in North Bay is underway but, following recent negotiation efforts with its contractor, the company is re-issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for a general contractor for the long-term care development.

See related: Northern Heights long-term care project is still a go despite delays

In May, BayToday received correspondence from concerned community members as work had ground to a halt at the site but the for-profit long-term care and retirement living provider is again reassuring stakeholders it plans to build the new 160-bed long-term care residence in North Bay on what was the McLaren site of the former St. Joseph's General Hospital.

Sienna acknowledges its Northern Heights project, like other construction projects in Ontario, has been impacted by supply chain issues across the sector and increased costs which led the company to re-evaluate its agreement with the contractor.

"We want to assure residents, families, team members, and the community that this is not an uncommon step to be taken for such a project, and is in keeping with our commitment to delivering a modern care community to the people of North Bay," the company states.

Sienna maintains, that in its mission to serve seniors in the region, significant work has already taken place on the project to redevelop the existing Waters Edge Care Community into a new modern long-term care home. Preparation of the grounds at the new site has included the demolition and removal of existing structures, and the blasting and excavating of the existing building footprint.

"As we move forward with the RFP process, activity on the development site will be temporarily limited until this process is completed in the coming months," Sienna advises. "Although we may receive a revised construction schedule following the request for proposal, at this time the forecasted date of completion is still the end of 2023."

The design for the new three-storey 160-bed facility includes five wings with 32 residents in each with dining rooms for each wing. There will be two shaded courtyards and private gardens that may be used for visits. Residents of Waters Edge will move from the William Street facility to Northern Heights upon its completion. The new building will include all one and two-bedroom retirement suites for both independent residents and those who require assisted-living situations. There will be no wards.

See also: Company 'plans to move ahead' with new North Bay 160-bed long-term care facility

A couple of kilometres away from the Bloem Street address of Northern Heights, $100-million worth of construction work is underway as part of the Cassellholme redevelopment — after years of delays.

It remains to be seen how re-issuing the RFP affects construction timelines and project costs. The current building lacks modern features and is nearing the end of its viability for patients and staff alike. Waters Edge has 148 total beds, including six convalescent care beds. However, as long-term care facilities are legislated away from operating with ward rooms (up to four residents per room), vacated beds are being left empty in those accommodations. It currently fluctuates around 110 beds in use.

"This is one of the biggest development projects in the City of North Bay," Sienna CEO Nitin Jain said in July 2021. "Our company is committed to spending close to $55 million. We expect it to create many construction jobs and we will be adding additional jobs with the 12 new beds. We are very excited."