By Rosalind Russell – Last Friday was a historic day in Espanola when four leaders met to sign a Memorandum of Agreement advocating for a new approach to long-term care.
Sagamok-Anishinabek First Nation Gimaa Angus Toulouse and Whitefish River First Nation Gimaa Rodney Nahwegahbow met with Espanola Mayor Douglas Gervais and Espanola Regional Hospital & Health Centre CEO Martin Lees to sign the document.
It is the first step in building a new long-term care facility that could house up to 128 new beds and 20 assisted living spaces.
The Town of Espanola is donating the 19-acres adjacent to the hospital (south towards Lee Valley road) for the new facility.
The hospital would oversee the operation of the new facility, which will provide a blend of First Nation culture and traditions with ‘western’ style of care.
The town will benefit from the creation of new jobs, not only during the construction process, but also the caregivers and staff to run the facility.
Schematics were also on display depicting what the potential facility footprint and design would look like.
The partners will now begin the process of advocating for funding for the project.
Photos by Rosalind Russell
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