288 new peopleCare long-term care beds to benefit seniors in Wasaga Beach

WASAGA BEACH, Ontario, June 10, 2026 – peopleCare Communities is pleased to share that the Ministry of Long-Term Care has awarded us 288 new long-term care bed licences, enabling the development of a brand-new long-term care home in the Town of Wasaga Beach.

This important investment will bring much-needed long-term care capacity to Wasaga Beach, helping more local seniors access care close to home and remain connected to family, friends and their community.

The announcement was made today by Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson on behalf of the Ontario government. “Today marks another milestone moment for the community of Wasaga Beach,” said MPP Saunderson. “Wasaga Beach will soon have a long-term care home, an important addition that will help meet the needs of a growing community while allowing more residents to remain close to family and local support networks.”

As a leading developer and operator of senior living communities, peopleCare is proud to continue expanding its presence across South Georgian Bay, building on strong community partnerships and our successful opening of the new peopleCare Meaford LTC home in 2022.

“This allocation is fantastic news for seniors and families in Wasaga Beach and throughout the region,” says Brent Gingerich, Chairman and CEO of peopleCare. “We sincerely thank MPP Saunderson, Minister Kusendova-Bashta and the Ontario government for continuing to invest in LTC and for enabling experienced and innovative organizations like peopleCare to deliver the modern homes and care capacity Ontario seniors need.”

The new LTC home will feature modern, person-centred design and include specialized dementia care services to support residents experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline. Designed around nine resident home areas, the home will offer welcoming living spaces, comfortable gathering areas and thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor amenities that support quality of life, independence and meaningful connections.

For peopleCare President Megan Allen-Lamb, the announcement is a testament to the Town of Wasaga Beach’s forward-looking leadership and the strong partnership that quickly formed around a shared commitment to meeting the needs of local seniors.

“From day one, the Town of Wasaga Beach has been a fabulous partner,” says Allen-Lamb. “Mayor Smith, Council and Town staff have worked alongside us every step of the way, sharing our excitement about what this project can mean for local seniors and families. We are grateful for their leadership and willingness to roll up their sleeves and help make this happen.”

peopleCare joined the Town of Wasaga Beach Mayor, Council and staff at a delegation at the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) conference in August 2025, meeting with the Minister of Long-Term Care to share the many community benefits and advocate for the project.

Allen-Lamb adds that it’s easy to see why so many people choose Wasaga Beach as a place to live and retire. The Town’s visionary Destination Wasaga strategy aligns closely with peopleCare’s own commitment to creating vibrant communities where people can stay connected and age well, with purpose and vitality.

“This is a tremendous victory for our community and a significant investment in healthcare for Wasaga Beach,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “When Council identified long-term care as a priority, we took action — working with peopleCare to identify locations, support planning, and bring a shovel-ready proposal to Queen’s Park. Today, Wasaga Beach is welcoming its first long-term care home, the largest in the region, along with good local jobs. Most importantly, more seniors will be able to receive the care they need close to family and friends, in the community they love. I want to thank Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, MPP Brian Saunderson, peopleCare Communities, and all partners who helped make this possible.”

In addition to LTC, peopleCare intends to create a broader senior living community on the property over time, that will include additional seniors housing and services, helping address evolving community needs and supporting healthy aging.

Wasaga Beach is home to one of Ontario’s oldest populations, with more than one-third of residents over age 65. The new home will help ensure more seniors can access high-quality care in their own community.

peopleCare will continue working closely with the Town on municipal planning approvals and with the Ministry of Long-Term Care on the approvals required to advance the project. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with the new home anticipated to welcome its first residents in 2028. Overall the LTC home will also create over 350 new local jobs.

“This announcement is an important milestone, but it’s really just the beginning,” adds Allen-Lamb. “We’re honoured to be part of this wonderful community’s future and to continue working alongside the Town, our community partners and the province to bring this vision to life. Together, we’re building something that will benefit the community for generations to come.”

Read Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson’s news release.

 

About peopleCare Communities

peopleCare Communities is a Canadian, family-owned and mission-driven leading operator of senior living communities, with strong values and a 58-year history of service. We currently manage and operate nine senior living communities in Ontario, inclusive of long-term care (LTC), retirement, assisted living and memory care. peopleCare’s innovation and leadership has earned Accreditation Canada Exemplary Status and Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum designation. Our vision is to change the world of senior living with a focus on transforming experiences, designing vibrant communities, innovating for tomorrow, and having a lasting positive impact in our communities and beyond.

For more information: Sheena Campbell, Vice President, Communications and Engagement, scampbell@peoplecare.ca

 

Click these links to read details on peopleCare’s other LTC bed awards, including in St. Jacobs,  Cambridge and Tillsonburg. Visit our Designing Vibrant Communities page for progress on all of our long-term care developments. And check out our What’s New page for the latest peopleCare news.