Health News For Central West

EXETER — Construction is underway to build the new 160-bed Southbridge Exeter long-term care home in Huron County. This project is a recipient of the Construction Funding Subsidy top-up and is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by creating good jobs and building for the future, ensuring long-term care residents get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.

“Our government is fixing long-term care by getting shovels in the ground and ensuring residents can get care where and when they need it,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today marks a significant milestone for Huron County. Thanks to this investment, 160 residents will have a new, safe and modern place to call home.”

The new Southbridge Exeter will feature five 32-bed Resident Home Areas (RHAs), thoughtfully designed to provide an intimate and more familiar living environment. Each RHA will include dining areas, lounges, activity rooms and outdoor amenities. The home is designed to accommodate residents with various physical, emotional and cognitive challenges. The home will offer 96 private rooms and 32 basic rooms, ensuring a range of living options. Southbridge Exeter is expected to welcome its first residents in 2026.

This project is part of the Ontario government’s continued progress toward its commitment to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province, outlined in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario. The government is fixing long-term care to ensure Ontarians get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve. The plan to improve care for long-term care residents is built on four pillars: staffing and care; quality and enforcement; building modern, safe, and comfortable homes; and connecting seniors with faster, more convenient access to the services they need.

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Quotes

"Today's ground-breaking ceremony serves to recognize the growing community of Exeter and South Huron’s surrounding areas. This new 160-bed Southbridge long-term care home will complement the community’s existing services and reflect our government's commitment that ensures continued quality care close to home."

- Lisa Thompson
MPP for Huron—Bruce

"The community of South Huron has been pleased to work with Southbridge on this legacy project, knowing that it will benefit the region for generations to come. This new long-term care Home will allow our residents to age safely in place and with dignity, while being close to their loved ones. It is an important part of regional health care planning where the needs of our aging population remains a priority. I want to thank all who were a part of this incredible milestone that demonstrates that the South Huron Region cares deeply about the people who built the place we all call home."

- George Finch
Mayor, South Huron

"The new Southbridge Exeter long-term care home will provide seniors in the region with a modern and safe place to call home, complete with amenities and activities to keep them thriving and a part of the community. We are proud to work with the Ministry of Long-Term Care on this redevelopment, and many others, so that we can provide even more seniors with the care they need."

- Ryan Bell
CEO, Southbridge Health Care

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