A transformative new chapter in aging studies begins at Trent University as peopleCare Communities along with the Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta marked the official groundbreaking on a 224-bed not-for-profit long-term care (LTC) home on Trent's Symons Campus, a milestone project that will address the region's urgent need for LTC beds while creating a hub for research, experiential learning, and intergenerational connection.
peopleCare Communities and the Ministry of Long-Term Care, along with Trent University leaders and faculty, break ground on the new long-term care home at Trent.
"Following years of planning, breaking ground on this long-term care home marks a meaningful step forward for Trent, for peopleCare, and for the community," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "This project will help meet the urgent need for long-term care, while also creating a space where innovation, research, and learning come together to improve quality of life for older adults. It's a place where care will be practiced with compassion, informed by evidence, and to benefit others."
"Our government is improving long-term care by building more homes, hiring more staff, and protecting those who reside in them," said Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, who spoke at the groundbreaking event at Trent University. "Today marks a significant milestone for the City of Peterborough. Once construction is complete, 224 people will have a new home where they can receive the care they need, when they need it."
Collaboration for Quality Care
With demand for long-term care at an all-time high, the new home will help reduce waitlists and expand access to beds in Peterborough. Trent has partnered with peopleCare Communities, who shares our vision of collaborative learning and best-practice care. peopleCare is an award-winning and family-owned operator of senior living communities with a 50-year history of service and will lead the building and operations of the LTC home.
"peopleCare is thrilled to build and operate a new long-term care home that will be a centre of excellence for aging adults in Peterborough, as part of Trent University's Integrated Seniors Village. We're excited to collaborate with an innovative partner like Trent and create something truly unique, where clinical best practices, teaching, research and intergenerational connections come together," says Brent Gingerich, chairman and CEO of peopleCare. "We sincerely thank the government for their continued commitment to modernizing care and services for seniors and their families in Ontario."
Located at the corner of Water Street and Woodland Drive, the home is designed with advanced Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) features and engineered technologies. The LTC home will provide a safe, supportive environment for residents, families, staff, and students alike, and create approximately 200 local jobs in the Peterborough region.
The home will also be surrounded by 55 acres of natural areas and trails. Following engagement with the Michi Saagiig First Nations, the Elders and Knowledge Keepers Council named the site Nokomisinaanan Gitigan (Grandmother's Garden), reflecting a shared commitment to honouring both community and environment.
Research and Learning that Shapes Care and Community
Trent University's role extends beyond place. As the academic and research partner, the University will connect discovery with care through the expertise of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society and faculty specializing in aging studies. Researchers will collaborate with residents and staff to advance approaches in elder care, ensuring that academic knowledge translates into meaningful improvements in quality of life.
Each year, more than 90 student placements will be offered to students in a variety of programs, including Nursing, Social Work, Kinesiology, Business Administration, and Sustainable Agriculture. These are productive opportunities to gain real-world experience working with older adults and take steps to achieve their professional aspirations.
As a designated Age-Friendly University, Trent University will also be inviting and encouraging residents of the LTC home to engage in university life and facilitating meaningful intergenerational connections on campus.
Construction is expected to take 18 to 24 months, with the first residents anticipated in 2027. For project updates, visit the Campus Projects Hub.
About peopleCare Communities
peopleCare is a Canadian, family owned and mission-driven leading operator of senior living communities, with strong values and a 57-year history of service. We are committed to engagement and collaboration to create vibrant communities of care that deliver meaningful experiences, clinical best practices, engaging programs and integrated services that meet the changing needs of Ontario's older adults. peopleCare's innovation focus and leadership has earned Accreditation Canada Exemplary Status, Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum designation, and the single largest research grant from the Ontario Centres of Excellence, which funded our award-winning Clinical Pharmacy Model, a first-of-its-kind for long-term care in Canada.
