Province Expands Capacity With 384 New Beds Through Southbridge Projects
The Ontario government has opened a new long-term care home in Ottawa and officially launched construction on a second facility that together will add 384 modern long-term care beds to the city, as the province continues its broader effort to expand and modernize senior care infrastructure.
Announced Thursday by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, the two projects are being developed and operated by Southbridge Care Homes and are supported through Ontario’s capital funding initiatives. The developments form part of the province’s strategy to expand access to long-term care while supporting employment and construction activity across Ontario.
First Facility Already Welcoming Residents
The newly opened Southbridge Ottawa home in Nepean began welcoming residents in March 2026 and adds 192 new long-term care beds to the region. The facility has been designed with six resident home areas, each featuring dedicated activity spaces and outdoor amenities intended to support resident well-being and social engagement.
Additional features include a worship and theatre space, as well as a beauty and barber salon located on the main floor.
Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta said the opening represents another step in the province’s health-care infrastructure expansion plans.
“The opening of Southbridge Ottawa marks a major milestone in our government’s plan to protect residents and increase access to world-class health care across the province,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “With the second Southbridge Ottawa home now under construction, I’m proud to share that the City of Ottawa will soon have a total of 384 new long-term care beds where residents can have a safe and modern place to live.”
Second Phase Under Construction
Construction on the second Southbridge Ottawa facility began in January 2026 on the same site. The second building will also contain 192 beds and is expected to offer similar amenities and design features as the first home.
The province said the second facility is expected to welcome its first residents in spring 2028.
Together, the two projects are expected to support 344 permanent jobs, including positions in nursing, personal support work, administration and resident programming. The developments are also projected to generate more than 200 construction-related jobs during the building phase.
Investment Part of Broader Provincial Strategy
The Ottawa projects are part of Ontario’s broader commitment to build and redevelop 58,000 long-term care beds across the province, a target outlined in the 2026 Ontario Budget, titled A Plan to Protect Ontario.
The government said its long-term care strategy is centred on four key pillars: staffing and care, quality and enforcement, construction of modern facilities, and improved access to services for seniors.
According to the ministry, as of April 2026, Ontario had 165 long-term care projects either completed, under construction or approved to begin construction. Those projects represent a combined 26,421 new and redeveloped beds provincewide.
Capital Funding Program Supports Expansion
The new Southbridge Ottawa facility received support under Ontario’s Capital Development Funding Policy, while the second phase is being funded through the province’s 2025 Capital Funding Policy.
The government said its current Long-Term Care Home Capital Funding Program was introduced to better reflect regional construction costs and address the varying needs of operators across the sector.
The funding framework replaced earlier construction funding subsidies introduced in 2022, which the province says contributed to the largest annual expansion of long-term care construction projects in Ontario’s history.
Ontario has also introduced additional measures aimed at accelerating long-term care development, including making unused provincial lands available for projects and leveraging hospital-owned land in major urban centres.
Local Officials and Operator Highlight Community Benefits
George Darouze said the investment will improve care options for seniors and provide support for families in the Ottawa region.
“These new long-term care homes in Ottawa represent a significant investment in the well-being of our seniors and their families. By providing modern, comfortable spaces with high-quality care, these facilities will help ensure residents can age with dignity while giving families greater peace of mind.”
Ryan Bell said the operator is focused on creating environments that keep seniors connected and active within the community.
“The new Southbridge Ottawa long-term care home, complete with amenities and activities to keep seniors thriving and part of the community, has welcomed 192 residents to a modern and safe home. Working with the Ministry of Long-Term Care and many others, we are excited to be breaking ground on Phase II of Southbridge Ottawa. Phase II is another new 192-bed development that will provide more seniors with the care they need.”