Rockwood Terrace hits 25 percent construction

Image: An aerial view of the Rockwood Terrace long-term care home redevelopment site in Durham, Grey County.

It’s been just over a year since ground was broken for the redevelopment of Rockwood Terrace, the Grey County-owned long-term care home in Durham. Since that time, tremendous progress has been made in raising the brand new, state-of-the-art facility. In recent weeks the project officially surpassed the 25 percent construction mark, marking a significant milestone in the County’s largest ever capital construction project.

The project remains on time and on budget.

“Seeing a building of this size leap off out of council reports and into reality is absolutely incredible,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “Redeveloping Rockwood shows Grey County’s commitment to providing public long-term care services in southern Grey County for decades to come.”

By redeveloping the home, Grey County is improving the care environment and meeting updated Ministry standards for home design. Resident experience has been central to the design of the new home since day one. The new facility will enhance resident privacy in both private and semi-private room types and will feature barrier free paths of travel and natural walking routes for residents. Infection prevention and control will also be enhanced through the home design and improved laundry facilities.

The new Rockwood Terrace is expanding by 28 beds, bringing the total number of residents living in the home up to 128. Residents will receive 24-hour nursing care and there will be an attending physician on call and regularly visiting the home. Personal care and support will be provided in rooms and spa areas. There will be several resident dining areas throughout the home to provide a more intimate dining experience. The home will also include lounge areas, a courtyard, and gardens for socialization.

Members of Grey County Council had the opportunity to tour the construction site this past July to see first-hand the work that had been completed on the 116,000 square foot home. At the time of the visit much of the exterior masonry had been completed and the second story roof was nearly complete. The final pre-cast beam was lowered into place shortly after Council’s visit, officially completing the structural portion of construction.

Significant electrical and utility work has also been completed inside of the building and interior framing is well underway. Bi-weekly meetings with the contractor and project team allow Grey County to have oversight of the project and ask questions and make decisions quickly.

In addition to construction efforts, staff are also looking ahead to 2027 and the transition into the new home. An operational readiness team has begun meeting to discuss the move. A large-scale move is complex and there are many factors to consider around resident care and comfort, and continuity of operations between the two sites. Careful planning and consideration will help make the experience smooth for residents, their families, and long-term care staff.

Grey County is committed to keeping everyone informed of transition plans as they come together. Residents and their families will have opportunities to engage with the home on transition plans. This work will begin in 2026 ahead of the targeted move in date for the new home in 2027.

Construction of Rockwood Terrace is being completed by Melloul-Blamey Construction Ltd. Kasian Architecture are the lead architects for the home. Project management services are being provided by Colliers Project Leaders.

The public can follow along with the Rockwood Terrace Redevelopment project online at www.grey.ca/Rockwood-Redevelopment. A new video on the Grey County website and YouTube page provides an inside look into construction progress on the site.

For more information about the project please contact Grey County at www.grey.ca/contact-us.

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For media inquiries, contact Katrina Peredun, Communications Officer, at communications [at] grey.ca or call 519-370-7064.