Tavistock

Bonnie Brae

News Release - February 9, 2007

Tri-County meets with elected officials in search of Tavistock Project funding

TAVISTOCK - Monique Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, John Wilkinson, MPP for Perth-Middlesex, and Don McKay, Mayor of the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock, joined Tri-County officials in Tavistock on February 6th to tour the Bonnie Brae.

Tri-County Mennonite Homes invited this group of elected officials to discuss the financial obstacles facing the construction of the much-needed redevelopment of the Bonnie Brae long-term care home in Tavistock.

"I was very impressed with the wonderful, caring staff at Bonnie Brae" said John Wilkinson.

"Despite the physical challenges present at the home, I know from our Ministry that the staff are meeting the highest of standards”, said Monique Smith. “Moreover, I was pleased to be briefed on the proposed redevelopment plans which include partnering with the community."

With a new facility, Tri-County Executive Director Robert Veitch hopes to further improve upon Bonnie Brae’s record to achieve an even greater level of care. “We were encouraged by Ms. Smith’s interest in our proposal and strong affirmation of our site and floor plans,” said Veitch. “I feel all the politicians recognized we have an innovative proposal—in terms of the continuum of care model and the two community partners—and one that is financially and operationally sound.”

Currently, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides $10.35 per resident per day over a 20–year period to help finance capital building costs. That figure, however, was established in 1997 and does not reflect the current reality.

Mayor McKay emphasized the importance of the project to the community. “Long-term care is crucial to the health of our local economy,” he said. “We have three homes located in the community and we don’t want to lose any one of them.” McKay pledged the Township’s support for the project in whatever way possible.

Smith indicated that the Ministry will review Tri-County’s proposal.

News Release - December 20, 2006

Tri-County Mennonite Homes ‘not giving up’ on Tavistock Project

Board aims to proceed for the benefit of staff, residents, and the community

After months of uncertainty due to financial constraints, the Tri-County Mennonite Homes (TCMH) Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to proceed with the Tavistock Project. Ground will not be broken, however, unless an additional $3 million in equity can be raised in the next several months—this in addition to the $4 million that will be raised through community fundraising and private loans.

“We have a daunting task ahead of us,” said TCMH Executive Director Robert Veitch.  “Still, the numbers are close enough that we have to give it a shot,” he continued, adding that it would be a shame if the complex could not be built because of this extra amount.

“Some organizations might have given up, but that’s not how we operate,” said Board member Lynn Yantzi, who formerly served as Board Chair. “Tri-County Mennonite Homes is known for providing high-quality support and care for seniors, and it’s important to move forward with this project for the benefit of the community,” added Yantzi.

Current Board Chair Glenn Zehr sees an obligation to do what is necessary for the project’s success. “We have a moral obligation to the staff and residents at Bonnie Brae to exhaust all avenues to get the required equity,” said Zehr, adding that Board members overwhelmingly shared this view.

At their December 12th meeting, the Board received a report from the Tavistock Project Ad Hoc Committee that outlined all costs involved in a multi-faceted complex. In addition to the long-term care home are the YMCA daycare centre, library and 32 assisted living suites. The assisted living component has been added in response to feedback from participants in the Community meeting in April, noted Zehr. Proposed future phases include supported living suites and independent life lease town home units.

The long-term care home will comprise the majority of the $26 million total cost. The Board and management feel they have a solid operational plan. However, increases in the cost of construction show that the additional $3 million is needed to make the operational side of the project viable.

“The Board clearly indicated that the building plan must be efficient and offer appropriate space in which staff can provide a high standard of care,” said Veitch. Veitch also noted that the proposed plan exceeds the current Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards. “This places TCMH is a good position for the future.”

Over the last 4 months, the Tavistock Project Design Team and Board Ad Hoc Committee have been redefining the project and looking for cost savings. While this process has identified numerous cost reductions and layout efficiencies, increases in the cost of construction have put the project in some difficulty.

Over the next several months, the TCMH Board will pursue a variety of options in raising the necessary additional equity prior to taking the next steps in development.