Redeveloped Fairview Mennonite facility expands capacity and creates more than 200 jobs
The Ontario government is celebrating the opening of the Ed and Karen Nowak Long-Term Care Home in Cambridge, a redeveloped facility that will provide 192 modern long-term care beds and expanded support for seniors in the region.
The project, operated by Fairview Mennonite Homes and supported through the province’s construction funding subsidy top-up, forms part of Ontario’s broader strategy to modernize long-term care infrastructure while increasing capacity to meet growing demand for senior care services.
Ontario officials say the redevelopment reflects the province’s commitment to building new long-term care spaces, supporting employment, and improving care standards for residents and their families.
Modernized home expands care capacity in Cambridge
The redeveloped Fairview Mennonite Home adds 108 new long-term care spaces while upgrading 84 existing beds, significantly increasing the facility’s ability to serve seniors in the community.
The new building is organized around six resident home areas, each designed to accommodate up to 32 residents. The model aims to create a more comfortable and familiar environment through dedicated dining rooms, activity spaces, lounges, and private living areas.
The facility also includes two secure landscaped courtyards, community gathering spaces, and balconies overlooking outdoor areas. The home operates within a broader campus-of-care model that includes a Seniors Active Living Centre and independent living accommodations for older adults who remain active and able to manage daily activities independently.
Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, said the project represents another step in the province’s efforts to improve services for seniors.
“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 has been completed, 192 new residents will have a safe and modern place to call home.”
Project expected to support regional employment
Beyond expanding care capacity, the redevelopment is expected to support more than 200 jobs in the Cambridge region. Positions include roles in nursing, personal support work, nutrition services, administration, and resident programming.
The project aligns with Ontario’s long-term care expansion strategy, which seeks to address increasing demand from an aging population while strengthening local labour markets.
Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge, said the investment will help ensure seniors receive care close to home.
“This is another great day for Cambridge. Supporting our seniors and ensuring there are enough spaces to care for the people who helped build our community is incredibly important. Our government will continue investing in seniors’ care and supporting the services they rely on here in Cambridge and across Ontario. Congratulations to Fairview Mennonite Home on today’s grand opening.”
Fairview Mennonite Homes President and CEO Elaine Shantz highlighted the significance of completing the project ahead of schedule and within budget.
“We are immensely pleased to officially celebrate the completion of the Ed and Karen Nowak Long-Term Care Home at Fairview Mennonite Homes. Completing a project of this scale and complexity ahead of schedule and on budget is a true testament to the power of a shared vision and meaningful collaboration with our partners. Beyond the bricks and mortar, this expansion transforms lives. This beautiful home now provides 192 individuals with quality, kind care while giving their families the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved ones are safe, supported and thriving.”
Province expands funding support for long-term care upgrades
Alongside the opening, the Ministry of Long-Term Care announced an expansion of its Capital Funding Program through the introduction of a new Renovation Program. The initiative is designed to help operators undertake major repairs and upgrades that extend the lifespan of older long-term care homes while bringing them closer to modern design standards.
Industry organizations welcomed the move, noting that many facilities require modernization but are not suitable candidates for full redevelopment.
“OLTCA is grateful for the launch of this renovation program. For homes that cannot undergo full redevelopment, this is the kind of program we need. The reality is simple: with nearly 50,000 people waiting for long-term care spaces, every option to preserve and expand capacity in communities across Ontario matters. This program recognizes that seniors deserve choices in their own communities, and it gives operators a realistic path to deliver them. We thank the Ontario government for their leadership and commitment to advancing long-term care.”
Donna Duncan, CEO of the Ontario Long Term Care Association, said the initiative could help preserve capacity while providing seniors with more care options closer to home.
Lisa Levin, CEO of AdvantAge Ontario, also welcomed the government’s approach to supporting not-for-profit operators.
“We are pleased to see more modern, high-quality, not-for-profit long-term care beds opening across Ontario. These beds will help ease wait-list pressures and ensure more older adults have access to the care and support they need. Not-for-profit providers face unique challenges when building and renewing homes. The government’s efforts to explore more flexible approaches to long-term care development are a welcome step forward. We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Kusendova-Bashta and the ministry to unlock more not-for-profit care and preserve valuable long-term care capacity across Ontario.”
The Cambridge project contributes to Ontario’s target of creating and redeveloping 58,000 long-term care spaces provincewide, a key commitment outlined in the 2026 Ontario Budget. As of April 2026, the province reported that 165 projects representing 26,421 new and redeveloped beds had been completed, were under construction, or had received approval to proceed.