Written By Jan Sims
KOMOKA - A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of a major redevelopment at Country Terrace long term care home on Oxbow Dr. in Komoka.
Mayor Aina DeViet as well as local members of council were joined by Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault as John Jordan, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care for the November 26th event.
The renovations began three years ago, and were completed in three stages. “Because we had existing residents and staff here, it was a little bit complex so we did it over three phases,” says Rahee Hirji Chief Executive Officer with Omni Quality Living.
The project involved constructing a new building as well as renovating the existing space. The final phase was completed in September and brought the total capacity to 128 beds. Occupancy approval came in October, which marked the full completion of the project.
The development included a number of features. “Larger amenity spaces, smaller home areas so that each home area has its own dining and its own activity space. Residents can feel like they’re in a more intimate setting, and that’s really what we wanted to achieve with this space,” says Hirji.
As well as changes indoors, the project includes a new outdoor space with a courtyard and greenery.
Omni has a network of 29 residences across Ontario and New Brunswick. “Potentially all new Omni redevelopments will look similar in the sense that the rooms will be larger, the hallways will be larger. There will be more amenity space, more gathering space, more spaces for community, for families. The design may look a little bit different; the land may look a little bit different. But what you see - the warmth - that will remain,” says Hirji.
