County showcases construction progress at Simcoe Village Campus in Beeton

The County of Simcoe showcased the construction progress of the Simcoe Village Campus project in Beeton.

An event was held at the site on Wednesday, June 19, which included councillors and representatives.

The property offers long-term care facilities for seniors in southern Simcoe County.

"We're modelling this campus after our award-winning facility in Penetanguishene called Georgian Village," said Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe Warden.

"Once complete, it will have more housing, more long-term care. It will be a community for seniors where they can connect with their peers, make friends, and find the support that they need as they age on through life."

Clarke says this is their largest project at $350 million.

"Which is why we wanted to get together here today ... when you start seeing the amount of concrete and the scope of the building as it's being built, you really get an eye on how large and how extensive these builds are," added Clarke.

In June 2020, county council approved to redevelop Simcoe Manor and Village in Beeton, and, in the same year, purchased a 20.6-acre property adjacent to the facility for expansion.

The county says 34 long-term care beds will be added (160 total beds) and there will be over 180 housing units/homes (over 140 new) for seniors.

County officials say late 2026 is the target date for occupancy of Simcoe Manor (long-term care), the Village Centre, as well as Supportive and Affordable Housing. While occupancy of the Life Lease/Market Rental building- Co-Housing, Garden and Town Homes is 2027.

"Originally built in 1898, Simcoe Manor is the oldest of the county's four long-term care and senior services facilities," said Jane Sinclair, General Manager of Health and Emergency Services, County of Simcoe.

"Our new village campus will become the county's largest long-term care and senior service location."