An update from the Queens Care Building Society (QCBS) on the new long-term care facility was announced earlier this year.
When the project was first announced it included plans for 96 new beds, however concerns were raised by Queens MLA Kim Masland that would not be enough and the province has since approved funding for an additional 16 beds, meaning the new facility will add 112 beds in total.
QCBS says that change has resulted in them pushing the expected completion to September 2025.
The province’s funding is contingent on the location of the facility meeting their criteria which include proximity requirements for; health services, transitional services, businesses, and pharmacies. They also require the site to be connected to central water and sewage systems and the facility must be situated on ground level.
Tate Engineering in Fall River has been selected to lead the design and construction of the project. Since their creation in 2012 they have helped build over 500 long-term care beds around the province.
QCBS and Tate have since identified 20 potential sites, with the area next to the Liverpool Best Western identified as the ideal location.
That site has yet to be signed off on by the provincial government but while awaiting that decision Tate will proceed with design work under the assumption it is selected.
On April 1, Tate Engineering submitted Requests for Proposals (RFP) to four large Canadian firms for architectural and other professional services,
The project is now awaiting the return of those RFPs so they can then begin analyzing which proposal is best.
Additionally, they say the firms will be required to explain how their design will create a facility that feels like a “home” and that is visible and the pride of the community. Additionally, they want a design that is energy efficient and has a focus on the safety of residents and staff.
