The Ontario government has officially broken ground on The Village of Westbrook Lane, a 240-bed long-term care facility in Richmond Hill, marking a significant step in its plan to expand care capacity and modernize seniors’ housing across the province.
Announced Friday by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, the project is backed by the province’s Construction Funding Subsidy top-up and is expected to welcome its first residents in 2027. Officials say the development will not only provide modern accommodations for seniors but also create good jobs and stimulate the local economy.
“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,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today’s announcement is great news for Richmond Hill and will ensure that 240 people will get the care they need in a modern, safe home.”
Modern design and specialized care
The new facility will be built with a “Main Street” concept on its first floor, featuring amenities such as a library, community centre, hair salon, chapel, and gathering spaces for visitors and community programs. The home will be divided into eight “Resident Home Areas,” each accommodating up to 32 residents.
These smaller-scale living areas are designed to foster a more intimate environment, with dining rooms, lounges, activity spaces, and bedrooms. One area will be dedicated to memory care programming, while another will provide specialized physical care. The entire building will be fully air-conditioned.
James Schlegel, President and CEO of Schlegel Villages, the operator of the new home, said: “For seven decades, our family has been dedicated to serving older adults in seniors housing. Our focus has always been on building community, and through the support of the province, the leadership of the City of Richmond Hill, and our educational partners, The Village of Westbrook Lane will become a welcoming and connected place where people can live, learn, and thrive together.”
Part of a province-wide expansion
The Village of Westbrook Lane is part of Ontario’s commitment to create 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province, as outlined in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario. The government says the initiative addresses a growing demand for care and aligns with its four-pillar strategy for improving long-term care: staffing and care; quality and enforcement; building modern, safe and comfortable homes; and connecting seniors to services faster.
“The Village of Westbrook Lane breaking ground on their new long-term care development in our community marks an exciting milestone for both Richmond Hill and York Region,” said Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill. “With 240 long-term care beds, this project will bring much needed capacity and create a welcoming environment for seniors.”
Richmond Hill Mayor David West called the new development “a shining example of what can be achieved when all levels of government, educators, and community partners work together,” adding that it will strengthen the city “for generations to come.”
Funding model driving new construction
The project is being supported by the Construction Funding Subsidy top-up, introduced in 2022. The program provides eligible developments with an additional $35 per bed, per day for 25 years, along with extra supports for not-for-profit operators. The province says this funding model has resulted in the largest volume of long-term care construction in a single year.
As of July 2025, there are 148 projects representing 24,101 new and redeveloped beds either completed, under construction, or approved for construction. The province is also launching the 2025 Long-Term Care Capital Funding Program to provide greater flexibility and support for builders and operators.
In addition to modernizing its funding model, the government is using strategies such as selling unused public lands with the stipulation that a portion be developed into long-term care homes, and leveraging hospital-owned land in urban areas where demand is highest.
Economic and community impact
Beyond providing essential care services, the construction of The Village of Westbrook Lane is expected to create local jobs in construction, operations, and healthcare. The facility’s design also integrates community engagement spaces, aiming to make it a hub not only for residents but also for families and neighbourhood programs.
By 2027, the home will add much-needed capacity to the York Region’s long-term care system, which faces increasing demand due to an aging population. The Ontario government says it remains committed to accelerating construction timelines to ensure seniors have timely access to safe, high-quality care.
