Ontario Breaks Ground on 160-Bed Long-Term Care Home in Exeter

Province invests in new 160-bed long-term care home in Exeter as part of Ontario’s plan to modernize senior care and expand health infrastructure across communities.

EXETER, ON — The Ontario government has officially broken ground on a new 160-bed long-term care home in Huron County, marking a major step forward in the province’s efforts to modernize elder care and meet growing demand across rural communities.

The new Southbridge Exeter long-term care home, expected to open its doors in 2026, will deliver modern, safe, and compassionate care to seniors in the region. The project is being supported by the province’s Construction Funding Subsidy top-up, a key component of the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario.

“Our government is fixing long-term care by getting shovels in the ground and ensuring residents can get care where and when they need it,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today marks a significant milestone for Huron County. Thanks to this investment, 160 residents will have a new, safe and modern place to call home.”

Modern Design and Enhanced Living Options

The future Southbridge Exeter facility will include five 32-bed Resident Home Areas (RHAs) — smaller communities within the home that provide a more intimate, familiar environment for residents. Each RHA will feature its own dining area, lounge, activity room, and outdoor amenities to promote comfort and well-being.

The home will offer 96 private rooms and 32 basic rooms, and is being specially designed to support residents with a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.

A Province-Wide Commitment to Seniors

The Exeter project is part of a broader provincial commitment to build and upgrade 58,000 long-term care beds across Ontario. The plan aims to ensure seniors have access to the level of care they deserve in modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

The government’s strategy is built on four pillars:

• Staffing and care

• Quality and enforcement

• Modern infrastructure

• Connecting seniors to faster, convenient services

A Win for Rural Ontario

Located in Huron County, the new facility will not only benefit future residents but is also expected to create new local jobs and enhance regional healthcare capacity. It is the latest in a series of long-term care announcements aimed at addressing the aging population outside major urban centres.

As the population of Ontario continues to age, officials say more investments like Southbridge Exeter are needed to provide seniors — no matter where they live — with safe, high-quality long-term care.

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