Full circle for peopleCare in Stratford with construction of new 288-bed LTC home

peopleCare Communities celebrated the start of construction on a new 288-bed LTC home in the vibrant city of Stratford, Ontario.

It’s a project rich in history, rooted in family and full of promise for the future.

“This is more than just building a beautiful new home for seniors,” shared peopleCare Chairman and CEO Brent Gingerich. “It’s about investing in Stratford and in the wellbeing of this community for generations to come. Through this home we’re creating jobs, supporting families and delivering the exceptional care and experiences our residents deserve.”

With the support of the Government through the capital redevelopment program, peopleCare is proud to be a leader in senior living, building beautiful 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.

“peopleCare is thrilled to have the opportunity to rebuild in Stratford and deliver a new and larger long-term care home, along with exceptional care and experiences, for local seniors and their families. We sincerely thank the Ontario government for enabling leading organizations like peopleCare to help meet the growing need for long-term care in Ontario,” said Gingerich

The celebration brought together many community partners and supporters, including the Minister of Long-Term Care, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae, and Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma.

“It is great to welcome peopleCare back to Stratford and celebrate the ground-breaking of their new long-term care home,” said MPP Rae. “Our seniors helped build our province and country, and our provincial government will be there to support them in their golden years. This redevelopment will ensure that more of our seniors have access to health care close to home.”

A family-owned organization, peopleCare was also joined by second-generation leaders Mary and O’Derald Gingerich, as well as Bob and Myrna Schlegel, who co-founded the original peopleCare Stratford LTC. It was a proud family moment, with their son Kirby Schlegel also in attendance as a development partner on the project.

“This is a bit of a full circle moment for me,” said Kirby, recalling how his parents purchased and operated peopleCare Stratford in 1979, the same year he was born. “I grew up watching my mom and dad make a difference in healthcare. Their commitment to seniors’ care shaped the values I carry with me today.”

Now, more than 45 years later, Kirby is helping carry that legacy forward. The Schlegels have always remained committed to bringing the 60 LTC beds back to the community and were delighted to have the opportunity to redevelop.

“On behalf of myself and my parents Bob and Myrna, we’re incredibly thankful for the support that’s making this redevelopment possible. We’re proud to once again be part of something that will make Stratford proud,” he added.

The new peopleCare Stratford will offer much more than additional capacity. With nine resident home areas, a secure central courtyard, children’s play space, overnight family suite, and specialized care for people living with dementia, it reflects a fresh, modern approach to senior living that supports purpose, connection and joy.

“The residents of Stratford continually remind me of the need for quality housing for our seniors, along with the onsite care needed to serve the unique needs of each resident. This type of partnership allows us to address the housing needs in our community and reflects the city’s strategic priorities and objectives,” said Mayor Ritsma.

peopleCare’s vision is to change the world of senior living, in part by designing vibrant communities. Gingerich shared how meaningful it is to bring this vision to life through collaboration and extended heartfelt thanks to those involved.

“This development is a reflection of what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose,” said Gingerich. “Together, we’re building not just a home, but a community that fosters connection, vitality and a true sense of belonging for Stratford’s seniors.”

Along with the Ontario government and MPP Matthew Rae, and peopleCare’s partners at Vandel, SRM, GSP and CMLS, Gingerich offered a warm thank you to Mayor Ritsma, Stratford Council and the Town staff. “Your support was instrumental in helping us find land and navigate the planning process in record time.”

peopleCare plans to welcome residents to the new home in 2027.

Read the Government of Ontario’s full news release: Ontario Breaks Ground on Long-Term Care Home in Stratford

Visit the Stratford LTC development page or learn more about all of peopleCare’s developments here Designing Vibrant Communities