Guelph may soon see an increase in the number of long-term care beds. During its Monday meeting, city council unanimously threw its support behind an application to the province seeking 29 new beds at The Elliott Community.
“Our city is growing and it's aging,” said Coun. Dominique O’Rourke, who referred to the beds increase as a “wonderful opportunity to serve the community.”
Preparations are underway to apply for 29 new beds at the city’s designated long-term care home, with plans to accommodate them through renovations rather than expansion.
The provincial government recently announced plans to increase the number of LTC beds by 30,000 over the next 10 years, with a Dec. 31 deadline for funding applications.
Officially, the city holds the licence for The Elliott’s existing 85 LTC beds.
The Elliott receives annual LTC operating and special capital funding from the city. The operating budget is forecasted to be into deficit mode, resulting in requests for taxpayer subsidy, by 2026 if additional beds aren’t approved.
Approved applications are to be announced early next year.
