RICHMOND HILL — The Ontario government has broken ground on a new long-term care facility in Richmond Hill, marking another step in its plan to expand capacity and modernize care for seniors across the province.
The Carefirst Campus of Care York Region, a not-for-profit project, will add 124 new beds when it opens in 2027. The facility is supported by the government’s newly launched Capital Funding Program (CFP), a framework designed to accelerate construction and address cost pressures in regions facing labour shortages and supply chain challenges.
Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care, said the development reflects the province’s broader effort to transform long-term care. “Our government is fixing long-term care by getting shovels in the ground and ensuring residents can get care where and when they need it,” she said. “Today’s announcement is great news for Richmond Hill and will ensure that 124 people will get the care they need in modern, safe homes.”
A Modern Model of Care
Unlike traditional stand-alone facilities, the Carefirst project will form part of a wider campus of care, providing residents with convenient access to primary and specialist medical services on the ground floor. Plans include a medical centre, wellness programming, and amenities such as a café-tuck shop, hair salon, chapel, and secure outdoor gardens.
The design emphasizes comfort and community. Four “Resident Home Areas” will accommodate 31 people each, creating more intimate living spaces with shared dining, activity rooms, and lounges. Larger common areas and air conditioning throughout the building are also central to the design.
“This exciting milestone is part of our government’s plan to ensure seniors across Richmond Hill receive the high-quality care they deserve, closer to home,” said Richmond Hill MPP Daisy Wai. “Carefirst Campus of Care York Region will play a vital role in expanding long-term care capacity by adding 124 new beds in a modern, comfortable environment. I would like to thank the dedicated medical professionals, staff, and volunteers at Carefirst for their partnership in building a stronger, more compassionate future for our seniors.”
Local and Community Impact
Richmond Hill Mayor David West highlighted the project’s role in strengthening community health infrastructure. “The Carefirst Campus of Care York Region ground-breaking is another exciting step in ensuring that Richmond Hill residents have access to the housing options and holistic health care services needed to support them at all ages and stages of life,” he said.
“Carefirst Campus of Care York Region is a wonderful example of blending community services and cultural enrichment, and I am delighted to welcome Carefirst to our city. It will be a valuable resource for residents, today, tomorrow, and for future generations to come.”
Carefirst leaders described the project as a significant milestone in its mission to provide a continuum of care. “Today’s ground-breaking brings us one step closer to realizing Carefirst’s vision of providing a comprehensive continuum of care for our community,” the organization said in a statement. “Carefirst Campus of Care York Region is built on an innovative model that integrates long-term care, primary and specialist health care, community services, and wellness programs, supporting seniors to live independently for as long as possible. We are deeply grateful to the Ontario Government for their financial support, and to our partners, donors, and community members for joining us in building a better tomorrow.”
Part of a Provincial Expansion
The Richmond Hill facility is among 148 projects already completed, under construction, or approved since the government pledged to deliver 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds. According to the Ministry of Long-Term Care, as of July 2025, those projects represent more than 24,000 beds across Ontario.
The CFP, introduced in July as part of the province’s 2025 budget, replaces earlier funding subsidies with a more flexible and region-sensitive model. The framework aims to accelerate builds in high-cost areas like the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and northern Ontario, while addressing the financial realities of both for-profit and not-for-profit operators.
Officials say the initiative builds on measures introduced under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, which seeks to modernize the system by streamlining funding, leveraging public lands, and requiring development on surplus provincial and hospital-owned properties.
By committing to large-scale investment, the government hopes to close longstanding gaps in long-term care availability, particularly in urban centres where aging populations are driving demand.
Looking Ahead
With its focus on integrated services and culturally enriched community care, the Carefirst Campus of Care York Region reflects an evolving approach to senior care in Ontario — one that combines housing with access to health services and community supports under one roof.
For residents of Richmond Hill, the project signals both immediate job creation during construction and longer-term access to modernized care options. For policymakers, it represents another benchmark toward a province-wide transformation.
As Gallagher Murphy put it, “Our government is fixing long-term care by ensuring residents can get care where and when they need it.”
