2 new seniors' homes to be built in Montague, Tyne Valley
Construction on facilities expected to begin next year
Two new long-term care facilities for P.E.I. seniors will be built next year in Montague and Tyne Valley, the premier announced Thursday.
At a news conference, Premier Wade MacLauchlan said the new 49-bed Riverview Manor in Montague would be built on the site of the old Montague High School.
The 24-bed Tyne Valley Manor will be constructed on the south side of Bideford Road
Like other new seniors' facilities, they will be built household-style, with a small number of seniors sharing communal space, but each individual would have their own bedroom.
To have a fresh new building, I think will be good for everybody's morale.- Trilby Jeeves
"It means a small living room where maybe you can watch the hockey game with your family and friends, just like we all do at home," said Kathy King, Riverview's manager.
"Maybe it means when your family or friends come visit, you can go get them a cup of tea and cookie."
Mayor Richard Collins has been pushing for the new manor for years.
"Well if I have to go there someday that's the way I'd like to have it, just like I was remaining at home, only you're at a big building with lots of friends around you, but you have your own privacy," said Collins.
Money has been set aside for both projects since 2013.
"The plans are well advanced," said MacLauchlan.
Worn-down building
For Trilby Jeeves, whose father lives at Riverview, the news the manor will be replaced with a new facility comes as a welcome relief.
Jeeves has been tweeting at P.E.I.'s politicians, lobbying for some sort of action.
She says the building is worn down, and not very wheelchair friendly.
"I don't know if my tweeting helped but it felt good to just put it out there and to hear the news today is fantastic."
Jeeves says her dad has been looking forward to the new facility since it was first announced years ago and he was pleased about the announcement.
"It was nice to see him smile and I hope that will inspire him to keep going."
Construction on the new manors will begin next year.