Louise Portelance: Long Term Care

VALLEY EAST LONG-TERM CARE CENTRE SET TO OPEN NEXT MONTH

Ward 3 Councillors Ron Dupuis and Louise Portelance are delighted that the first long-term care facility in Valley East is moving forward. Chelmsford physician Dr. Ray Bertrand has accepted an appointment as medical director of the Elizabeth Centre. The 128-bed residence will open in late August at the northeast corner of Main and Frappier in Val Caron.

"The appointment of a medical director is the final step leading to the opening of the first long-term care facility in Valley East,” said Ward 3 Councillor Ron Dupuis. “While the City of Greater Sudbury is well served by long-term care overall, residents of Valley East will benefit from a facility that is close to home.”

The Elizabeth Centre is privately owned by Erna Baniulis and Alexander Jarlette who operate 12 other long-term care facilities in Ontario. Tribury Construction was awarded the contract to build the residence in August of 2001, creating 1.5 person years of employment in the local construction industry.

The 80,000-square-foot building consists of two floors with two "home units" per floor. Each unit houses 32 residents and includes dining, lounge and activity areas. The Elizabeth Centre features a landscaped courtyard, a greenhouse, a rooftop garden, a gazebo and walking trails.

"This is a beautiful facility that will help both residents and families feel at home," said Ward 3 Councillor Louise Portelance. "Residents will now have the option of receiving around-the-clock nursing care in their own neighbourhood. Families and friends will be nearby and can visit more often. It's good for all of us."

The opening of the long-term care facility will create over 100 new jobs in a fully bilingual environment. As an additional benefit, students at nearby Confederation Secondary School will have the option of completing their community experience credits at the Elizabeth Centre while brightening the lives of facility residents.

Councillors Dupuis and Portelance also point out that the Elizabeth Centre is located close to the proposed Valley East Medical Centre. At a meeting of City Council's Planning Committee on June 25, an application to rezone the former Valley East Town Hall was approved to accommodate three medical practitioners.

"This building sits on a property that is peaceful and open. It's a classic Valley East vista and we hope it brings comfort to our residents," said Elizabeth Centre Administrator Dan Draper.