Grey County is considering more than long-term care needs with the recent acquisition of land in Durham. County Council has approved the hiring of SHS Consultants to assess affordable housing needs and build options for the 32-acre parcel which will also be the future home of a redeveloped and expanded Rockwood Terrace. It is located directly south of the existing home and may be suitable for a campus of care, non-profit housing, rental housing, or a combination of the models. Public engagement during the assessment will help determine local need, trends, preferences and more.
“Recent studies show we have a shortage of affordable housing in Grey County. This land in Durham has a lot of potential to create more options for those who need a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Grey County Warden Paul McQueen. “As we complete the assessment, we hope we can find synergies for the property that will support both our long-term care and housing needs.”
One possibility to be explored is the feasibility of developing a campus of care model. A campus of care is a model that includes a blend of housing and supportive services, that could include senior’s apartments, to assisted living, long-term care and other services. Grey County will work with SHS Consulting and Salter Pilon Architects to assess the communities needs and prepare options with costings.
“The redevelopment of the Rockwood Terrace site is an important milestone for the growth of West Grey and will also serve the future needs of Grey County,” said West Grey Mayor Christine Robinson. “Taking time to explore opportunities that supplement long-term care and potentially address housing gaps is proactive and exciting. I look forward to public consultation and working with the County and our community to move this important project forward.”
Grey County has received preliminary approval from the province to redevelop Rockwood Terrace from a 100-bed home to a 128-bed home. Redevelopment needs to be completed by 2025 to meet Ministry requirements. The completed assessment will be presented to Grey County Council in the spring of 2021.
“This study will give County Council the information we need to make the best decision for this property. Once we understand our options and their costs, we as a Council can decide the best path forward for our community,” said Warden McQueen.
SHS Consultants have extensive experience with this kind of study, as do their co‑consultants Salter Pilon Architects. SHS Consultants also prepared Grey County’s most recent Housing Study in 2015.
source: media release, Grey County
