Ontario has begun construction on a major expansion of Macassa Lodge, a long-term care home in Hamilton, adding 64 modern beds as part of the province’s broader push to increase capacity and improve care for seniors. The project marks a significant step in the government’s long-term care infrastructure strategy, which aims to meet rising demand across Ontario while modernizing aging facilities.
Announced Thursday by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, the expansion is supported through the province’s construction funding subsidy top-up and aligns with ongoing commitments to increase staffing, build modern homes and enhance quality of care. The move comes as part of the government’s plan to add 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds provincewide.
“Our government is improving long-term care by building more homes, hiring more staff, and protecting those who reside in them,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today marks a significant milestone for the City of Hamilton. Once construction is complete, 64 residents will have a new home where they can receive the care they need, when they need it.”
The expansion will add 20 new long-term care beds and overhaul 44 existing ones, creating a total capacity of 290 beds at Macassa Lodge. The new wing has been designed around two resident home areas, or RHAs, each accommodating up to 32 residents in a more intimate environment structured around smaller dining rooms, activity spaces, lounges and private bedrooms.
Beyond living spaces, the facility will include rooms equipped for physiotherapy and occupational therapy, recreation programming, worship and family dining. The home will also support behaviour management and dementia care, reflecting efforts to tailor services to seniors with complex and evolving needs. The new wing is expected to welcome its first residents in late 2026.
Local leaders were quick to underscore the significance of the investment for Hamilton’s aging population.
“As the MPP for Hamilton Mountain, this expansion is tremendous for our community, our seniors and their families. Adding 64 modern long-term care beds means more residents can receive high-quality care close to home. The Ontario government remains steadfast in protecting our seniors and building a future where every Ontarian can age with comfort, dignity and respect,” said Monica Ciriello, MPP for Hamilton Mountain.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath also praised the project. “Today’s ground-breaking marks an important milestone for Hamiltonians. With support from the provincial government, the redevelopment of Macassa Lodge will ensure that more seniors in the City of Hamilton will receive compassionate, high-quality care in a safe, modern environment. This investment reflects our shared commitment to building inclusive and supportive communities where people can age successfully with dignity, respect and connection to the people they love.”
The expansion is among 151 long-term care projects either completed, under construction or approved for construction across Ontario as of November 2025, representing 24,613 new and redeveloped beds. The province says the construction funding subsidy top-up introduced in 2022 accelerated development and resulted in the highest level of new long-term care construction completed in a single year.
To continue this momentum, the government is rolling out its 2025 Long-Term Care Home Capital Funding Policy and Capital Funding Program, a framework designed to reflect regional cost differences and diverse operator needs. The new program replaces the top-up model and is intended to make construction financing more predictable for long-term care operators.
The province’s strategy extends beyond funding. Ontario is also taking steps such as modernizing its funding model, selling provincially owned properties for development with requirements to include long-term care facilities, and working with hospitals to build new homes on available land in large cities where space is limited.
Macassa Lodge, operated by the City of Hamilton, has served the community for decades and is expected to benefit significantly from the planned improvements. The redevelopment reflects a provincewide shift toward smaller, more resident-focused home layouts that aim to improve comfort, safety and overall quality of life.
As Ontario continues its long-term care overhaul, officials say the goal remains clear: ensuring seniors receive compassionate, consistent and modern care in environments designed for their well-being. The Macassa Lodge expansion, they contend, is a concrete example of that commitment taking shape on the ground.