Prescott Mayor Gauri Shankar says the redevelopment of the Wellington House hospice is the biggest infrastructure project in the town’s history.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of the new structure, in front of the current one on Edward Street North, on Wednesday morning with officials including Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta and Prescott Mayor Gauri Shankar on hand.
Shankar says the total provincial funding for the new hospice, slated to open in 2027, is around $70 million.
He says it doubles the capacity for long-term care residents in the town to a total of 128 while also bringing a projected 100 jobs to the community.
Shankar adds the investment is so important because it takes care of those who made Prescott what it is.
“They are the ones that have promoted the town, have paid their taxes and paid their dues so we owe it to them.”
Officials say, once completed, the new Wellington House will be a four-storey home that will house multiple lounges and activity spaces, therapy rooms, a salon and a place of worship.
