Construction has begun on a significant long-term care redevelopment project in Barrie that will add 130 modern beds and expand capacity at the IOOF Seniors home, marking another step in Ontario’s multi-billion-dollar push to modernize the sector and address growing demand from an aging population.
The project, located on Brooks Street, will redevelop the existing IOOF Seniors home through a combination of renovations and a new addition, ultimately creating a 226-bed facility. The expansion includes 64 new beds and the upgrade of 66 existing beds, replacing older infrastructure with a modern design intended to improve residents’ quality of life while supporting more efficient delivery of care.
The redevelopment is funded through the province’s Capital Funding Program and aligns with Ontario’s broader commitment to build and upgrade 58,000 long-term care beds across the province. The initiative was reaffirmed in the 2025 provincial budget, which positions long-term care construction as both a social priority and an economic driver supporting job creation in communities across Ontario.
“Our government is improving long-term care by building more homes, hiring more staff and making historic investments to protect families and their loved ones,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today marks a significant milestone for Barrie. Once construction is complete, 130 residents will have a new home where they can receive the care they need, when they need it.”
The Barrie project is being developed as part of a campus-of-care model, which integrates long-term care homes more closely with other health-care and community services. The approach is intended to allow residents to access a wider range of supports without leaving their community, while also easing pressure on hospitals and other parts of the health system.
Once completed, the redeveloped home will be organized into eight “resident home areas,” each designed to accommodate up to 32 residents. These smaller living units include dedicated dining and activity areas, lounges and bedrooms, creating a more familiar, home-like environment compared with traditional institutional layouts. The design reflects provincial standards for modern long-term care homes, which emphasize comfort, infection prevention and resident-centred care.
Construction will proceed in two phases. Phase one is expected to welcome new residents in spring 2028, with the second phase scheduled for completion in early 2029. Throughout the redevelopment, the home will continue to provide specialized support for residents with chronic conditions and cognitive impairments.
In addition to long-term care services, the IOOF campus offers a range of on-site health and wellness programs, including physiotherapy, pastoral care, and diagnostic services such as ultrasound and imaging. Provincial officials say these integrated services are a key part of ensuring seniors receive timely care while remaining connected to family and community supports.
Local officials say the project underscores the importance of investing in long-term care infrastructure as the region’s senior population continues to grow.
“Ontario’s government values the contributions our seniors have made to building our province, and we are working diligently to ensure they continue to enjoy the quality of life and the quality of long-term care they deserve. This is an important step forward, and the IOOF campus of care plays a vital role in connecting local seniors in Barrie—Innisfil with the care and supports they need, right in their own community and close to family and loved ones.”
— Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie—Innisfil
The IOOF Seniors home is operated by IOOF Seniors Homes Inc., a not-for-profit provider with a long history in Ontario’s long-term care sector. Organization leaders say the redevelopment represents both a renewal of facilities and a continuation of its longstanding mission.
“For over a century, the IOOF has been dedicated to providing long-term care in Ontario. This collaboration marks an amazing milestone in our organization’s history, with approval granted to construct 64 new beds and redevelop 66 existing ones. This endeavour not only reflects our commitment to enhancing long-term care services but also highlights our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. ‘Caring is our reason for being’ continues to be our mission as we uphold our ‘Residents First’ philosophy of care.”
— Garry C. Hopkins, CEO, IOOF Seniors Homes
Province-wide, Ontario reports that 164 long-term care projects — representing nearly 26,000 new or redeveloped beds — are now completed, under construction or approved to proceed. The Capital Funding Program, which replaced earlier construction subsidies, is designed to better reflect regional cost differences and encourage faster development through a mix of public land use, modernized funding models and partnerships with hospitals and community operators.
For Barrie, officials say the IOOF redevelopment is expected to play a critical role in meeting future demand while ensuring seniors can age with dignity in modern, purpose-built facilities close to home.
