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Community Partner Update – Issue #2, 2025

 
July 29, 2025

Issue #2, 2025

Across our organization, peopleCare’s teams of difference makers are delivering on our vision of a future without limits as we change the world of senior living. Leading through a time of growth, we remain focused on innovation and life-enriching experiences. Opening new homes means caring for more people, creating local jobs, supporting families and delivering the exceptional care our residents deserve. We’re proud to be creating real and lasting impact every day, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

Full circle for peopleCare in Stratford

The Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and Mayor Martin Ritsma were all on hand to help peopleCare get shovels in the ground on a new 288-bed LTC home in the vibrant city of Stratford, Ontario. With the support of the Government through the capital redevelopment program, we are proud to be a leader in senior living, building modern, welcoming homes across Ontario, increasing capacity, and modernizing care environments so our teams can deliver better outcomes for residents, families and staff. The original peopleCare Stratford home was only 60 beds, which are being redeveloped with a top-up of 228 more net new beds. We appreciate the key role of our government, municipal and community partners in making this “full circle” moment a reality.

Read Construction start celebration in Stratford on 288 LTC beds

L-R peopleCare team, family & partners join MPP Matthew Rae, Minister Kusendova-Bashta, Mayor Martin Ritsma

Celebrating a new chapter in Tavistock

Spirits were high as peopleCare celebrated the official grand opening of our new, larger 128-bed Tavistock long-term care home, a vibrant space that will serve the seniors of this close-knit community. From heartfelt memories to tributes from local leaders and partners, the grand opening was a celebration of community, care and coming home. Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman, who was a tireless champion in bringing these beds to his riding, extended his congratulations, noting the new home represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of local seniors. “It’s a testament to peopleCare’s commitment to quality care and to building strong, supportive communities,” said Hardeman. “It will ensure residents in Tavistock and surrounding areas have access to the comfort, dignity, and care they deserve for generations to come.”  Read  A new chapter begins with grand opening of peopleCare Tavistock

L-R Mayor Phil Schaefer, MPP Gallagher Murphy, Joyce Pearson, Heather Gingerich, MPP Ernie Hardeman, Brent Gingerich, Deb Wettlaufer

Building a brighter future for Delhi seniors

After nearly 18 months of dedication and collaboration among our incredible team and partners, peopleCare’s newly redeveloped Delhi LTC home in Norfolk County is complete. It was an exciting day as residents moved into their beautiful new home, welcomed by family, our senior leaders, team members from across our family-owned organization, and many caring volunteers. The welcoming committee, including Resident Council President Theo, his wife Jackie and fellow resident Kathy, made this long-awaited moment even more special. Expanding from 60 beds to 128, this milestone means more people will receive exceptional care, close to family, friends and neighbours, in a bright, inviting and homey space. Stayed tuned for news about the official grand opening and ribbon-cutting this Fall. Read New Delhi LTC home welcomes first residents

Congratulations to our 2025 Values Awards winners

At peopleCare, our Values are more than words, they’ve been ingrained in how we work, connect and care for close to six decades. That’s why we feel so strongly about recognizing and celebrating the incredible individuals who bring these values to life in our homes, going above and beyond to support residents, families and fellow team members in meaningful ways. Every year, our more than 1,000 employees and our partners embrace peopleCare’s peer-nominated Values Awards program. This year was no different as we received 221 nominations from across peopleCare’s homes and leadership support office. That’s an incredible 45% increase and the highest number to date. We were thrilled to honour 35 outstanding employees as 2025 winners, all team members who exemplify what it means to work with heart and purpose. Read Employees and partners alike embrace peopleCare’s 2025 Values Awards

Celebrating arts, community and our future Blue Mountains home

Imagine living in a bustling resort region, with access to arts, entertainment, music, film and recreation all year-round. That’s the aspiration for our future home in the beautiful Town of the Blue Mountains. And it’s just one reason we were pleased to be a 2025 sponsor of the Blue Mountain Film and Media Festival, now in it’s fourth year and growing. The festival is the epitome of all the vibrancy and good times our residents, families and staff can look forward to once we build and open our new LTC home. Thank you to our new community partners and co-sponsors, including the Town and the Blue Mountain Village Association.

Supporting collaborative, experiential learning

peopleCare was proud to be recognized by the Fanshawe School of Information Technology for supporting collaborative student partnerships and highlighting the value of hands-on learning in healthcare. Over the past two semesters, students from Fanshawe helped enhance how we collect and present our Resident and Family Satisfaction Survey data. Next, we’re partnering to grow our workforce by launching a PSW training program with Fanshawe College and the local high school in Tillsonburg to help meet our future hiring needs for our new 160-bed LTC home on track to open there in 2026. Thank you Fanshawe for your ongoing partnership. Inspiring and educating future healthcare leaders is a priority for peopleCare and each year, hundreds of students learn and grow in our homes as part of our commitment to continuous learning and growth!

Dr. Radica Bissoondial is joined by students Imelda Anticamara (L) and Sabina Pir (R) in presenting the award to peopleCare clinical systems leader Salima Massani

Advancing the conversation on designing for vitality 

peopleCare President Megan Allen-Lamb was an opening session panelist at the recent Healthcare Infrastructure for Aging Populations Think Tank in Halifax, joining a dynamic group of leaders exploring the challenges and opportunities of Canada’s growing 65+ population. This interactive day brought together architects, researchers, clinical leads, policymakers and more to advance the conversation on how the built environment can improve care and daily living for seniors. In her breakout session later in the day, Megan shared peopleCare’s bold vision for designing senior living spaces that foster vitality and connection. Thank you to fellow leaders Benjie Nycum, Paula Langille, Sabrina Fiorellino, and Matt Galvin, to name just a few. And to the Canadian Institute for bringing together so many change leaders from across the country, all committed to improving the future of aging in Canada.

Don’t miss out on a fabulous day on the golf course

A few player spots and sponsorship opportunities still remain for peopleCare’s super-popular annual golf tournament. But don’t wait as limited spots remain. Click here to reserve your one, two, three or foursome.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT!
💎2025 Diamond Pro Sponsor VanDel Construction

peopleCare is thrilled to share that VanDel Construction, another leading family owned Canadian organization has stepped up once again in a big, big way – as the premier Diamond Pro Sponsor of this year’s Putt for a Purpose golf fundraiser. For the past 45 years, VanDel has worked tirelessly to become southern Ontario’s leading builder of institutional, commercial, and industrial construction. What started out as a small family business has grown into a thriving team of dedicated and hardworking individuals who provide superior quality, attention to detail and excellent customer service as they uphold the company’s long-lasting traditions. Thank you VanDel for your generosity and ongoing support!

You’re invited to walk, connect and experience LTC

On Sept 12, 2025, all peopleCare homes will take part in the second annual provincial LTC Engagement Day, spearheaded by the OLTCA and once again being held in tandem with our own annual Community Walk to Wellness. We’re inviting our community members, local leaders and elected officials at all levels to walk our neighbourhoods with us, step inside our homes, meet our amazing teams and experience what makes peopleCare and LTC so special. Guests can expect tours, opportunities to connect with residents, families and staff, refreshments, entertainment and more. Last year, peopleCare engaged more than 650 people in this event. This year, we’re aiming even higher. To get involved, call any of our homes, visit www.peopleCare.ca, or email info@peoplecare.ca for more details.

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