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Phase 4 at Finnish Resthome in fundraising stage

By: Jordan Allard, Special to Sault This Week • Apr 11, 2012

Sault Ste. Marie Finnish Resthome plans an expansion intended to help local seniors find affordable housing.

“The plans we have would help the community tremendously,” said Todd Slotegraaf, chairman of the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association.

“It would go a long way towards helping to meet the city’s supportive housing need for seniors.”

Slotegraaf said the Finnish Resthome plans two upgrades to its present facilities.

The rest home provides three main services for seniors (Phase 1: affordable housing, Phase 2: supportive housing care and Phase 3: nursing home care). Slotegraaf said Phase 4, a new senior’s independent living complex, would provide affordable housing for seniors and Phase 5 will upgrade the nursing home facility. Phase 4’s independent living complex would include 40 two-bedroom apartments. Its opening would create around 20 new jobs.

Plans are to make each apartment fully air-conditioned and handicapped accessible, Slotegraaf said.

The new facility will use property owned by the rest home, behind Kiwedin public elementary school on North Street. It? s already appropriately zoned.

Don Maki, chief building official for the city, said the building wouldn? t interfere with the nearby Hub Trail.

Currently, Slotegraaf said the rest home is in a planning stage. Construction –other than creation of a road this summer leading to the site –won’t begin until next spring.

The rest home has selected a local architect, David Ellis, and will choose a construction company this October after plans are finalized.

Before final touches to the blueprint can be done, the rest home must do some fundraising, Slotegraaf said.

The board has chosen former member of Parliament Ron Irwin to be spokesperson for the fundraising campaign, to be highlighted by a midsummer Solstice Finnish festival on Friday, June 22, from 2 to 9 p.m. at the home.

People can visit the Finnish Resthome’s website ( https://www.ontariofinnishresthome.ca) to donate online.

The upgrades are part of provincial government legislation which stipulates the upgrade of Ontario nursing homes to Class A within 10 years.

Slotegraaf said the legislation was introduced around three years ago. The Finnish Resthome is now rated Class B.

While completion of Phase 4 depends on the home raising funds, Phase 5 requires government funding. The province would cover 75 per cent of the project? s cost. Talks with Sault MPP David Orazietti have been positive, Slotegraaf said.

“We’re still pushing for funding. Orazietti has been very receptive and helpful throughout the process thus far.”

Original Sault This Week Story

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