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Fall 2010
We have been enriched through strengthened relationships with our redevelopment supporters and continue to achieve various required approvals. The official fundraising launch took place Oct. 4th and 5th and background work with city and provincial officials is well underway.
We are aiming for a ceremonial groundbreaking event on St. Patrick’s Day March 17th, 2011 and actual shovels in the ground later in the spring. In the meantime, fine-tuning of budget figures and detailed planning continues as we match our expectations to available funds.
I am pleased to provide the following summary of progress with St.
Patrick’s Home’s redevelopment.
 Cost
Consultant, Architectural, Gerontological and Project Management
Services have been contracted using Requests for Proposal (RFP) or
Requests for Expression of Interest (RFEI) methodology
Committee
of Adjustment approval for minor variance from the City of Ottawa is
in place
Geotechnical,
Land, Tree, Noise, Traffic, Underground Services surveys among
others have been completed or are in process
Application
for funding is in process with Infrastructure Ontario (I.O.).
Through favourable 25-year debenture rates, equity from Foundation
fundraising, further negotiations with the Ministry of Health and
Long Term Care (MOHLTC) on funding conditions and annual projected
contributions from operations we have achieved a desirable 1.01 debt
service coverage ratio
Formal
approval to construct a 288-bed Long Term Care Home has been
received from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and the
Champlain Local Health Integration Network
Value
engineering by the selected Project Management firm was undertaken
to reduce the size and thus the cost of the proposed building to a
level acceptable to MOHLTC. Note: resident room size and space
within each of the 9-32-bed Resident Home Areas (RHA) was not
compromised. Private (141 sq. ft.) and Semi-Private rooms (130 sq.ft.
each per resident) exceed MOH design standards. There are no ‘ward’
rooms i.e. 2 beds per room is the maximum. Each semi-private/shared
room has a demising wall between the beds for privacy. 60% (173)
rooms are private and 40% (115) are shared i.e. 2 persons per room
Approval
of a borrowing resolution for capital projects by St. Patrick’s Home
Board occurred at a special meeting June 22, 2010 followed by a
same-day approval of the resolution by our sponsor, the Catholic
Health Corporation of Ontario, in accordance with their respective
policies.
A
LEED Consultant firm has been contracted to optimize energy
consumption and building sustainability
In
consultation with User Groups, detailed schematics are nearing
completion to produce estimates of a final estimate of costs that
forms a vital part of the First Submission to MOHLTC; target date -
July 31, 2010
The
formal Development Agreement was received July 7/2010 from MOHLTC’s
Health Capital Investment Branch and we anticipate sign off within
the required 10 business-day turnaround i.e. by July 21, 2010
While
the First Submission is under review by MOHLTC throughout August and
into the Fall of 2010, a number of concurrent tasks will be in
process including Site Plan Application to the City, creation of
Contract Documents and more detailed design development
Second
Submission to MOHLTC is scheduled for December 2010
Building
Permit application is anticipated in March 2011 following municipal
Site Plan approval
Tender
Awards are to follow between April and mid-June 2011, with actual
Construction/shovels in the ground commencing late June 2011
Substantial
Completion of the building to occur by late August 2013
Commissioning
to occur throughout August and completed by mid-September 2013 to
move us toward MOHLTC approval and move in by mid-October, 2013
We hope to maintain full operations to serve our
current residents and their families until move-in following which
demolition of the existing building is likely. Although a number of
alternative uses for the building have been seriously considered,
any change of use would require prohibitive upgrades to meet
building standards of today. Maintaining an empty building poses
significant costs related to insurance, security personnel and owner
risk and liability.
The longer range plan is to create a Campus of Care
configured to make the highest and best use of this beautiful
property and a development that continues to serve the needs of
Ottawa’s seniors while respecting the history, Mission and Values of
the Grey Sisters.
Thank you to supporters, generous donors and friends
of St. Pat’s for helping us make this happen!
Spring 2010
A Short Note on
Perseverance
It seems
appropriate to say a few words about perseverance as it relates to
our project. We persevered while we ‘hurried up and waited’ for
formal approval though another winter.
Fortunately, our
Board of Directors believes as did British politician Thomas Foxwell
Buxton who stated in 1833 that, “With
ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance all things are
attainable.” On the matter of perseverance, Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow wisely opines that,
“Perseverance
is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and
loud enough at the gate you are
sure to wake up somebody.”
Many doors have
be en knocked on and gates have been opened. The building blocks of
costing, preliminary architectural drawings and staff and user
consultations are well underway.
We
are confident that we are moving closer to shovels in the ground
with the announcement received from Madeleine Meilleur’s office and
a follow up meeting with the Capital Planning Branch of MOHLTC in
late February. The funding gap between actual costs and Ministry
funding was partially addressed by decreasing the proposed new
building size by 20,000 sq ft from non-resident care areas. This was
accomplished largely by reducing the size of basement excavation,
relocating some services to the main level and reducing space
allocated to public areas. As a note of reassurance, the Chapel will
remain a focal point on the main floor and despite its reduced
dimensions from what we currently enjoy, we are confident that
residents and families will be well pleased with the design,
aesthetics and functionality.
Fall 2009
Approvals—Status
Report
Our application
for redevelopment is currently being reviewed by the Champlain LHIN,
the Capital Planning Branch of the Ministry of Health and
Infrastructure Ontario. The target date is Nov.30/09 for their
formal response. The identified mismatch between capital costs and
Ministry funding has required in-depth analysis of options,
strategies and opportunities. We know that what we wish for and what
we can afford will continue to present challenges and require
difficult decisions as we move through the various milestones of the
project.
In support of our
project, many of us have been operating from a principle that I like
to call ‘strategic optimism.’ My ‘strategic optimism’ is based on a
firm belief that a combination of faith and right-minded human
energy can make all things happen. Board members from both the Home
and Foundation have been unwavering in their lobbying and advocacy
on our behalf. We are assured on a regular basis by officials and
decision-makers at all levels that, “This project is going to
happen!” Our position is significantly strengthened by
behind-the-scenes supporters such as the Steering Committee of the
Foundation and their substantial investment of time, talent and
energy in fundraising.
Summer 2009
On the
redevelopment front, we were encouraged by remarks given at our
Annual General Meeting on May 28th by John Fraser,
Premier McGuinty’s representative in Ottawa. On June 17, 2009 the
City’s Committee of Adjustment application for minor variance was
approved, completing one more step of the process. The formal
Ministry of Health application is due July 31/09 with approvals
anticipated in early Fall 2009.
We continue
redevelopment work on many other fronts including the proactive
launch of internal Focus Groups and site tours of new long term care
facilities. This will provide a frame of reference for all
participants and feedback to our architect and consulting
gerontologist as they design the spaces that will assure optimal
placement and functionality for resident care at the new St. Pat’s.
Focus Groups will continue throughout the planning stage and will
broaden to include Family & Resident Council representatives, family
members and other interested stakeholders.
We are asking
challenging questions of our participants such as the coining of a
theme such as ‘Our Voice in Change’ and how to use the naming of
areas to make them less institutional and more home-like. Examples
of naming might be to call the Nursing Station a ‘Communications
Centre’ or ‘Care Centre’ and the Tub Room a ‘Bathing Centre’ or
‘Spa’. We value the feedback that Focus Groups bring to the design
process which will also include best practices in providing care
such as elements that make infection prevention and control a
priority.
Spring 2009
On the
redevelopment front, background work continues with completion of
many preliminary requirements. The proposed project includes the new
additional beds awarded in 2007 and our existing complement of 202
beds. The Foundation and the Home look forward to sharing more
concrete details as they evolve.
Application
details to redevelop the existing 202 beds were released this month
by the Ministry of Health with an application deadline of July
31/09. Ministry review of applications is scheduled to occur over
the summer.
Some of the
features that we plan to incorporate in a new building include:
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A 5-storey
building that will accommodate 288 long stay residents
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9 distinct
Resident Home Areas (RHA’s) with 32 residents in each unit
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172 rooms or
60 % of the total will be private rooms with their own bathroom
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116 rooms
will be shared i.e. 2 persons per room with a shared bathroom
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Large bathing
areas and a separate shower room in each resident care area
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Each Resident
Home Area with its own dining, activity and lounge space
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Residents
will be accommodated in a Care Area where co-residents have
similar care needs and abilities. As care needs change,
residents will be able to move to an appropriate care area
within the Home.
Winter 2008-2009
The Ministry of
Health and Long Term care has announced the funding formula to
redevelop B & C-level beds. Our work continues through the Board’s
Corporate Development Committee’s ongoing liaison with
Infrastructure Ontario, architectural firm Barry Hobin & Associates
and the Ministry of Health among others. Board Chair Don Burke,
Corporate Development Chair Ken Tammadge and Executive Director
Linda Chaplin met with Ministry officials Jan.15 to review current
cost estimates and reaffirm our commitment to a new affordable
building to meet the needs of current and future residents.
The Foundation’s
Steering Committee remains very busy soliciting solid financial
support from top donors so that we can concretely demonstrate to key
decision makers that St. Pat’s supporters believe in a redevelopment
project.
Autumn 2008
The Ministry of
Health and Long Term care advised us mid-summer that redevelopment
approvals and accompanying funding announcements have been postponed
until late Fall. The Ministry has encouraged us to continue our
background preparatory work at St. Pat’s.
This background
work includes:
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Current
building assessment
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Site survey
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Geotechnical
(soils) survey
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Cost
consultation — to validate our cost projections
Throughout
September and October you will see various consultants on site
performing this work. The surveys are financed through St. Patrick’s
Home Foundation and are required steps. The Foundation has been very
busy over the summer building a steering committee and soliciting
support so that we are well positioned to publicly fundraise as soon
as needed approvals are announced.
LONG
TERM CARE FACILITY DESIGN
Design for new
construction in Long Term Care is based on four main objectives:
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A physical
environment that contributes to the well being and overall
health of residents
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Design
objectives are outcome- focused i.e. what residents want and how
we link their wishes and needs with the spaces we create
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The
resident’s physical environment is part of a complex system
where the resident’s behavioural, organizational and social
contexts interact
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Design
criteria must be flexible to respond to resident needs today and
in the future, as well as caregiver and family needs
The design
standards and functional considerations for new Long Term Care
construction evolved from the above-noted design objectives.
Features (among others) that we can expect in a new building will
include:
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Each
Resident Home Area (RHA) will accommodate a maximum of 32
residents and will be a self contained unit for the residents in
that area i.e. bedrooms, washrooms, bath and shower rooms,
dining area, lounge, program/activity space, staff work space
and storage space for that RHA
Requirements for
each of the areas are specified in detail in the design standards.
Some of the
resident bedroom and bathroom details are set out below:
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All resident
bedrooms contain either one or two beds i.e. Private or
Semi-Private accommodation. A private room must have at least
130 sq. ft. of floor space excluding the space for the
vestibule, washroom and closet. A semi-private bedroom must have
at least 130 sq. ft.
per resident (the washroom is shared for semi-privates)
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The bedroom
must allow access by caregivers to three sides of the bed i.e.
to both sides and the foot
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Every bedroom
must have a barrier-free washroom; the entrance width must be at
least 36 inches and accessed from within the bedroom itself.
There must be a 5 foot turning circle in each resident washroom
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Each bedroom
door must be a minimum width of 44 inches
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Each bedroom
must be designed to allow 180 degrees change of direction for
any care equipment in the room
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Each bedroom
must have at least one window that provides a direct view to the
outdoors or to other naturally lit space from both a sitting and
lying-in-bed position
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You will note
that new design standards in long term care are clearly resident
focused. We look forward to feedback from staff, residents and
their families through Focus Groups that will take place in
advance of the detailed design work for a new St. Patrick’s
Home.
Summer 2008
As
we start what is predicted to be a record-setting summer, we have
kept the heat on regarding approvals from the Ministry of Health for
a redeveloped St. Patrick’s Home. At this writing, we still await
the same vital Ministry approvals namely: 1) that we will be able to
merge the new beds awarded in August/07 with our existing 202 beds
and 2) precise knowledge of the funding formula.
We know that
intense fundraising on our part and significant government support
in the form of a capital grant are essential for us to move forward.
The previous funding mechanism and amount allocated in the Ministry
of Health’s 1998 new bed initiative was deemed insufficient at that
time. A decade later, as one would expect, inflation factors and
cost of materials have increased greatly which will bring our total
projects costs for new construction to somewhere in the order of $60
million. That $60 million does not include plans for the existing
building which may be demolished or perhaps enjoy a few more years
for other purposes.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH REPORTED TIMELINES FOR C- BED REDEVELOPMENT-
David Clarke (MOH capital planning and renewal branch) stated in
mid-May/08:
Re: Timelines
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Strategy announced last year
on July 31, 2007
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Policy & program design work
through winter 2008
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Review design standards
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Review funding model
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Develop allocation &
selection criteria
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Invite applications –
spring/summer 2008
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Evaluate applications –
summer/fall 2008
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Construction
MINISTER
OF HEALTH AND LONG TERM CARE SMITHERMAN – stated in Mid-May/08
Re: Capital Program
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We want to
create as much flexibility as possible in a capital program
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The per diem
may be convertible to a front-end grant to help the
not-for-profit sector with mortgages
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We want to
see a re-emergence of NFP homes
OUR WORK TOWARDS REDVELOPMENT
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In order that
we are prepared to start our project immediately when approvals
and funding adequacy are confirmed:
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Detailed
financial projections have been undertaken and refreshed each
time new information is available
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A review of
potential partnerships was commissioned.
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Quotes for
various required surveys (land, geotechnical etc.) have been
solicited and received
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Our
Foundation has been working hard at garnering strong supporters
among our St. Pat’s friends.
We have met with:
Champlain LHIN’s Dr. Robert Cushman and Bernard Lamontagne, Premier
Dalton McGuinty’s constituency office staff John Fraser, and chief
executive officer Peter Wilkinson, city officials in the planning
department, city councilor Maria McCrae, Ontario Infrastructure
representative Robert Keene and with Ghislaine Malo, our capital
renewal account manager at the Ministry of Health.
We have met with
the Grey Sisters who have a community on our 4th floor
and own the land on which we are located. Always strong supporters
of the work we do and of our project, the Sisters share and support
our hopes and dreams.
We have
interviewed architectural firms. The firms we have interviewed are
talented and experienced and the decision will not be an easy one.
A number of site
visits to homes that each architectural firm has built are underway
which will assist us as we narrow the field for an architect. We
hope to have a decision by mid-July.
Spring
2008
Redevelopment
dialogue and intensive planning continues with municipal and
provincial officials and decision makers. We are seeking assurances
that we can merge construction of the 96 new beds awarded in
August/07 with the existing 202 bed complement in need of upgrade
for a total estimated cost between $55-$60 million. The Ministry
funding formula is scheduled for release in early June which could
give us another go-forward point in our plans. As well, the St
Patrick’s Home Foundation is poised to launch an enthusiastic
‘friend-raising/fund-raising’ campaign in support of a new building
at 2865 Riverside Drive.
A meeting is
scheduled with representatives of the Premier’s office in late
March. Given recent coverage of the hospital bed crisis throughout
the province and particularly in Champlain District, we are
optimistic that our project will be given priority status and
confident that we can be part of the solution.
In the meantime,
as all pieces of the redevelopment puzzle come together, the
residents we care for continue to amaze us with their resilience,
their life stories and the network of family support and
relationships they bring to enrich our work lives. A smile and a
look of gratitude from a resident can inspire even the most fatigued
worker and inspire them to return another day – even through sky
high snow banks!! For that we count our blessings every day.
Winter 2007-2008
At St. Patrick's
Home, the concept of living our Mission has permeated so deeply that
I am already being asked how we will assure that our proposed new
building will incorporate the spiritual dimensions of care as a
priority. It is important that our residents, their families, our
volunteers, the Grey Sisters and our staff know that in every
planning scenario contemplated for a new building, the Board is
committed to a substantial Chapel as an essential requirement.
As we all know, a
physical room called a Chapel does not automatically guarantee a
sense of sacred space. We will have the familiar symbols from our
current Chapel and our sponsor, the Catholic Health Corporation of
Ontario, is developing interesting education resources to assist in
maintaining and growing our already robust spiritual and religious
care program. I believe the commitment of the Leadership Team and
all staff to live our core values every day will reassure the St.
Pat’s family that our history and Mission will be not only be kept
alive but will thrive into the future.
Autumn 2007
The late summer and early fall of 2007 have been full of good news.
Our RFP for 96 additional beds was approved and major pieces of the
puzzle towards a planned redevelopment of the remainder of our beds
are falling into place. In August the Ministry of Health and Long
Term Care announced their 10-year plan, commencing in the spring of
2008, to update aging facilities like St. Pat’s at the rate of 3500
beds per year. Our goal is to be first in line and to ‘marry’ our
newly approved 96-beds with the existing 202 beds for a blended
project for a total of 298 resident spaces. The resident home areas
will be divided into units of not more than 32 persons per unit
which will enable a closer match of resident interests and
capabilities.
Our proposed target date for completion is year-end 2010 for a new
building that will occupy the vacant green space here at 2865
Riverside Drive. The Home Board’s Corporate Development Committee
continues its diligent and thorough work with the Grey Sisters, the
Champlain Local Health Integration Network, the Ministry and others
towards achieving required levels of approval and to secure solid
funding to move our project forward.
August 28, 2007
As a member of the St. Pat’s
extended “family” I wanted to be sure you knew about recent
developments concerning our goal to redevelop St. Patrick’s Home.
In the spring of 2007,
there were 4 applicants for the 96 new beds offered by the Ministry
of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) for Ottawa South. MOHLTC has
informed us that St. Pat’s was the successful applicant for the 96
new additional beds and the Honourable George Smitherman, Minister
of Health and Long Term Care visited us Monday (Aug.27/07) to share
this wonderful news with us. We welcome this opportunity as an
important “first step” in creating a totally new Class-A 298-bed
Home for our residents.
We view our success as a
huge vote of confidence in St. Patrick’s Home and a critical step in
our future vision to redevelop to an enlarged, campus style setting
conducive to caring for our present and future residents. The new
St. Pat’s will incorporate our proud heritage, traditions, values
and Catholic roots while also looking to the future of care for
individuals needing long term care.
While today the timing to
achieve our overall goal is uncertain, we are further encouraged in
our planning by MOHLTC’s recent commitment to redevelop C Level
facilities like ours within the next ten years. We would like to be
first in line!!
Updates that bring us
closer to our goal will be communicated to you. In the interim, I
encourage you to contact me directly at 613.731.4660 ext. 233 or
Jennifer Connolly, Managing Director of the Foundation at 613.260.2739
with any questions or ideas you may have regarding our plans.
Thank you
Linda
Chaplin
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