Two long-term care homes in Ontario are set to close, in part due to a new requirement for sprinkler systems.
The two homes, located in the cities of Kingston and London, have been deemed unable to meet the new regulation set by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office. This requirement, which was announced in 2018, states that all long-term care homes in the province must have automatic sprinkler systems installed by January 1, 2025.
The homes, operated by the company Revera, have been struggling to meet the deadline for the installation of the sprinkler systems. According to a statement from Revera, the company has been working diligently to find a solution, but ultimately, the decision was made to close the homes.
The closure of these two homes will affect a total of 150 residents, who will now have to be relocated to other long-term care facilities. Revera has stated that they will work closely with the families and residents to ensure a smooth transition.
The requirement for sprinkler systems in long-term care homes was put in place after a deadly fire at a nursing home in Quebec in 2014, which claimed the lives of 32 residents. The tragedy sparked a call for increased safety measures in long-term care facilities across the country.
While the closure of these two homes may be seen as a necessary step for the safety of residents, it also highlights the challenges faced by long-term care homes in meeting the new regulations. The cost of installing sprinkler systems, which can range from $500,000 to $1 million, has been a major barrier for many facilities.
The Ontario Long Term Care Association has expressed concern over the financial burden placed on long-term care homes, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They have called on the government to provide financial support to help facilities meet the new requirements.
In the meantime, Revera has assured that they will continue to work with the affected residents and their families to ensure their well-being and safety. The closure of these two homes serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety in long-term care facilities and the need for support from the government to help meet these requirements.
