Simcoe County—and indeed much of Canada—is facing a seniors housing crisis. Nearly 40,000 Ontarians are on waitlists for long-term care (LTC) beds, yet surveys show that over 90% of Canadians do not want to live in an institutional LTC facility. The challenge is not just availability—it’s about dignity, autonomy, and quality of life.
Too many of our elders are being left with limited, unsuitable choices. Health outcomes in institutional care are poor, social isolation is common, and the average stay in an LTC home is just 12–24 months—often marked by rapid health deterioration. It’s time for a new approach.
