In May 2023, BayToday reader Neil Brown graciously provided some bird's eye shots of the construction site of Sienna Senior Living's Northern Heights Care Community. We thought it would be interesting to contrast last year's shots with more of Brown's recent drone footage, taken on May 1, to update the development's progress (see photos and video above).
According to Sienna, "Construction is progressing well and on schedule. Northern Heights will be three stories above grade when complete. The first- and second-floor exterior walls and windows are complete, and we are now working on the third-floor exterior walls. At the same time, interior framing on the ground floor is underway. The next major construction milestone will be the topping-off, which will occur during the summer. We anticipate completion of the new 160-bed home in spring 2025.
The development is being built on the grounds of the former McLaren site of St. Joseph's Hospital, and its 160 beds will all be situated in one- and two-bedroom retirement suites for both independent and assisted-living situations. The design for the new three-storey facility includes five wings for 32 residents each with dining rooms for each wing. There will be two shaded courtyards and private gardens that may be used for visits.
See related: Northern Heights update: Sienna Senior Living 'fully committed'
Work resumed on the grounds one year ago after some delays. As it became clear the original target date for completion was no longer within reach, Sienna Senior Living said in spring 2023 that it remained "fully committed" to seeing its new 160-bed North Bay long-term care facility ready to accept residents from the existing Waters Edge Care Community in two-plus years. The move will close the William Street facility.
