New 128-bed facility will provide culturally appropriate care for Elders while creating local jobs
TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY — Ontario has announced the completion of construction on Tsi Thonwatíhsnye’s Long-Term Care Home, a new 128-bed facility developed by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation that will provide culturally appropriate care for Elders while expanding long-term care capacity in the region.
The project forms part of the province’s broader strategy to modernize and expand Ontario’s long-term care system, with a focus on increasing capacity, improving care standards, and supporting local employment. The new facility received support through Ontario’s construction funding subsidy top-up program and contributes to the government’s commitment to build and redevelop long-term care beds across the province.
“Our government is improving long-term care by building more homes, hiring more staff and making historic investments to support families and protect their loved ones,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Now that construction is complete, 128 residents have a safe, modern and culturally appropriate place to call home.”
The not-for-profit home, licensed to and operated by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, was designed to meet the needs of local Mohawk Elders by helping them remain connected to their language, traditions, and community while receiving long-term care services.
Designed Around Community and Culture
The facility features a modern design centred on four resident home areas, each accommodating up to 32 residents. The smaller living environments are intended to create a more familiar and comfortable atmosphere, with dedicated dining spaces, activity rooms, lounges, and private living areas.
In addition to residential accommodations, the home includes therapy and recreation rooms, worship space, and landscaped outdoor amenities. Walking trails, gardens, and treed areas have been incorporated into the property to strengthen residents’ connection to the land and provide gathering spaces for residents, staff, and community members.
Provincial officials say the home is expected to welcome its first residents later this summer.
Beyond expanding care services, the facility is also expected to provide an economic boost to the region. Approximately 170 jobs will be supported through the operation of the home, including positions in nursing, personal support work, nutrition services, recreation programming, and administration.
Part of Ontario’s Long-Term Care Expansion Strategy
The completion of the project represents another milestone in Ontario’s long-term care expansion campaign. Under the province’s 2026 budget plan, the government has committed to creating and upgrading 58,000 long-term care beds.
As of April 2026, Ontario reported that 165 projects representing 26,421 new and redeveloped beds had been completed, were under construction, or had received approval to begin construction.
The province has also introduced updated capital funding policies aimed at addressing regional cost differences and supporting a range of operators within the long-term care sector. In addition, a new renovation program is being developed to help extend the life of older long-term care homes through major upgrades and repairs that bring facilities closer to modern design standards.
Ontario has also pursued alternative approaches to accelerating construction, including leveraging hospital-owned lands and requiring long-term care development on portions of certain provincially owned properties.
Partnership Highlighted as Key to Project Success
Provincial and Indigenous leaders praised the collaborative effort behind the project and its significance for Elders in the community.
“Our government remains proud to support the leadership of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte in ensuring that the new long-term care facility reflects the needs and values of the community it serves. The completion of Tsi Thonwatíhsnye’s Long-Term Care Home is a demonstration of what partnerships can achieve—expanded, high-quality care provided for 128 Elders.”
said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation.
Chief R. Donald Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte described the facility as a long-awaited investment in the well-being of community Elders.
“This licensed long-term care facility is more than a building. It is a promise to our Elders. Tsi Thonwatíhsnye’s Elder Care Home honours the people who, in the past, have been denied many services, including long-term care, in their home community. We sincerely thank all of the funding partners and staff, led by Director of Housing Tom Kring, who worked to make this home a reality. Today, we celebrate a place where Elders will be cared for with dignity, respect, and cultural connection.”
The opening of the home is expected to strengthen access to long-term care services in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory while providing a culturally grounded environment where Elders can age with dignity, remain connected to their heritage, and receive care close to home.