ORANGEVILLE - Construction is underway at Avalon Care Centre, a long-term care home for Dufferin County. This is part of the Ontario government's $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 30,000 new beds by 2028 and 28,000 upgraded long-term care beds across the province.

"Congratulations to Avalon Care Centre on their ground-breaking for an upgraded, modernized home. Our government is fixing long-term care and a key part of that plan is building modern, safe and comfortable homes for our seniors," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. "Today marks a significant milestone for Dufferin County. When building is complete, 160 residents will have a new place to call home, near their family and friends."

The 160-bed home will be built on a new site adjacent to the existing home and will provide 23 new and 137 upgraded beds in private and basic rooms. The building will feature design improvements, including larger resident common areas and air conditioning throughout the home. The design is centred around 'resident home areas' to create more intimate and familiar living spaces for up to 32 residents, with dining and activity areas, lounges and bedrooms. The redeveloped Avalon Care Centre is expected to be completed and welcoming its first residents in spring 2026.

"The success of our long-term care home has been built on the longstanding support and relationships of the broader Orangeville community. A redeveloped, state-of-the-art home for 160 residents will ensure that we may continue to respond to the increasing care needs of future generations of seniors near to their home," said Sherry Braic, Administrator of Avalon Care Centre.

The government is fixing long-term care to ensure Ontario's seniors get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve, both now and in the future. The plan 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.