Richards Landing seniors residence is still feasible

NEWS RELEASE

MATTHEWS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

************************** RICHARDS LANDING, ON - The Matthews Memorial Hospital Association (MMHA) is pleased to announce that KPMG LLP has confirmed the continued feasibility of the association's proposed $6.5 million MeadowLink seniors residential facility.

The association, in conjunction with the Township of St. Joseph, had undertaken a study in 2003 to determine the feasibility of constructing a 60–bed, semi–dependent care facility on property the association currently owns overlooking Richards Landing, the St. Joseph Channel and the North Shore beyond.

The association was encouraged to revisit the project by local federal and provincial politicians, the NE LHIN and the management of the Sault Area Hospital.

The construction of the new MeadowLink facility is in line with the LHIN's proposed preferred housing model for the future and holds the potential to alleviate some of the pressure on SAH for alternative level of care patients waiting for other supportive housing options.

KPMG confirmed the project's continued feasibility despite a 50 percent increase in construction costs.

However, the feasibility continues to be contingent on the association successfully soliciting capital funding from upper levels of government through programs such as the federal stimulus initiative, federal/ provincial infrastructure and social and supportive housing funding.

The association has also been in touch with various provincial and federal ministry staff who indicate funding may also be available for some of the peripheral and start up costs.

At the association's December 3 board meeting, a resolution was passed committing the organization to completing all planning items through to the "shovel-ready" stage.

This includes development of a full five-year business and marketing plan, negotiating a minor property purchase from abutting landowner, environmental screening, and designing a commercial entrance from Highway 548 that meets MTO requirements.

"The construction of the MeadowLink facility will be a major enhancement for seniors in the catchment area from Echo Bay to Bruce Mines including St. Joseph Island who want to live in a supportive environment and rural setting close to their family and friends” said Connie Witty, MMHA chair.

Local municipalities and community organizations helped to fund the study review.

************************* For more information, please contact: Connie Witty 705.246.2251 (after 6 p.m.) or email [email protected] Backgrounder The Matthews Memorial Hospital Association is an Ontario non – profit corporation and registered Canadian charity incorporated in 1925. It has been an integral partner in the delivery of local health care and recruitment of physicians for over 80 years. Today, it continues to play a major role as the owner of Matthews Memorial Hospital in which the Sault Area Hospital provides the services, as the funding agency for the construction and ongoing operation of the BridgeLink Medical Centre, as the community partner in the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's Northern and Rural Physicians Recruitment program, as operator of the St. Joseph Island Medical Clinic, as lead proponent for the development of the 60 – bed, semi – dependent care MeadowLink project, and lead organization for the retention and enhancement of local health care services.