MINDEMOYA—In considering giving its support to a proposal for a six-unit assisted living facility on Manitoulin Centennial Manor property, Central Manitoulin councillors suggested it might be better to look at a larger facility that would benefit all of Manitoulin.
“In my opinion, if it was for 30-40 units I could see giving up the Manor land for an assisted living facility for the entire Island, but for just six units, no,” stated Councillor Derek Stephens, a Central Manitoulin councillor at a regular council meeting last week.
Council reviewed a recommendation from its safety, security and health committee that states in part, “council give consideration to the Manitoulin Centennial Manor motion #18/16 which states: “Whereas a proposal has been submitted to the board by Dr. Roy Jeffery for the establishment of a not for profit multi-unit seniors assisted living facility; the proposed assisted living facility would require the board to relinquish a portion of its land to the not for profit board; the proposal is contingent upon funding being available, as well as a determination of the financial benefit if any to the Manor. Therefore the Manor board seeks the concurrence of its member municipalities to investigate the proposal and determine its compatibility with and benefit to the Manor including compliance with the strategic plan.”
“I was chair of the committee and there was a feeling while we certainly support an assisted living facility on the Island, we weren’t as sure about using the Manor land for this facility as they might need it for their own expansion some day,” said Councillor Linda Farquhar.
“The Manor has talked through the years about the need for having more beds,” said Councillor Stephens. “The Manor is owned by municipalities on the Island. I support the Island needs assisted living, but I’m not favour of giving the land away for an assisted living facility of six units. If it was for more units and would benefit everyone on the Island to use, I would support it.”
Councillor Patricia MacDonald said the Manor board felt it couldn’t give away the land for the assisted living facility without Manitoulin Island councils support for this and without knowing there will be financial benefits to the Manor. “We didn’t want this to become a burden on taxpayers, and want there to be benefits for the Manor.”
“Dr. Jeffery understands all of that and suggested that the Manor board of directors be involved to help direct the proposal,” said Councillor MacDonald. “There would be a not for profit board run by a board of management. The request from the Manor board was sort of ambiguous, we wanted to make sure there would be a benefit to the Manor.”
“The (Manor board) thinking is that this will not go forward unless consensus is given in favour from all Island municipalities,” said Councillor MacDonald.
Derek Stephens questioned whether Dr. Jeffery has gone to the Northeast Town about whether it has property that could be used, or if the Manor property is the only option being looked at.
“When you look at assisted living, each community on the Island needs this type of facility,” said Councillor Ted Taylor. “We could almost fill six units from residents here in Mindemoya. Maybe we need to look at more units in total on Manitoulin (than six).”
“I think Ted’s point is right,” said Councillor Dale Scott. “Municipalities have to decide if they want to look at having their own assisted living facility, or a large central facility for the Island. In my view it would make more financial sense to have one central larger facility with more units with every municipality can contribute to. Every municipality is going to need it. Whether every municipality can afford its own assisted living facility is doubtful. It might be easier to access for one central facility for the Island.”
Mayor Richard Stephens said, “I know a number of people locally who have said they are ready to go if a new facility is opened.”
It was proposed that council could defer the recommendation until it obtains more information.
Councillor MacDonald also suggested that council could ask Dr. Jeffery to make a presentation to council.
“There are a few questions that need to be looked at, as to each municipality having an assisted living facility or having an Island wide facility,” said Councillor Stephens. “The Island issue should be brought to the MMA (Manitoulin Municipal Association), I can see it being brought up as an issue there.”
Councillor Scott asked if there, “is a resource group that can tackle this issue? Where would one start hospitals, nursing homes?”
“Both,” said Mayor Stephens.
“Right now there is a waiting list for any of the nursing homes on the Island, so there must be a long list waiting for an assisted living facility. Six won’t do it,” said Councillor Taylor.
“I can’t support going with six units,” said Councillor Stephens. “Multiple units yes, but it all has to benefit the entire Manitoulin Island.”
Council agreed to defer the recommendation and invite Dr. Jeffery to speak with council on the proposal.
