DUNNVILLE—On September 26, 2025 local politicians and Haldimand staff gathered at Grandview Lodge in Dunnville to celebrate the completion of major air handling and electrical infrastructure upgrades.
These upgrades were made possible with over $7 million in funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s (ICIP) COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream.
“Aging infrastructure is a challenge faced by municipalities across the province, and we can’t tackle the issue without support from our provincial and federal governments,” said Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “Council is grateful to the Governments of Ontario and Canada for funding these critically needed upgrades at Grandview, which protect our most vulnerable residents.”
The Ontario government announced the combined federal-provincial funding in October 2021 to help communities adapt to pandemic-related challenges and support economic recovery. It was designed to accelerate access to funding for pandemic-resilient infrastructure, including (but not limited to) ventilation improvements to maximize infection prevention and control.
“Investing in modern infrastructure for long-term care is investing in dignity and quality of life for seniors,” said MP Leslyn Lewis. “I am pleased to see the completion of this important project, with support from all levels of government to ensure Grandview Lodge remains a place of comfort and care for residents for years to come.”
Haldimand County applied for the first round of ICIP funding in 2021 to improve HVAC controls within Grandview. The County was successful in its application and was awarded $3,223,000 for the HVAC replacement, which was completed in August 2024.
A second ICIP application was submitted seeking funds to upgrade the home’s electrical infrastructure and controls, including the backup generator. This application was also successful and Haldimand was approved for $3,790,298 in funding.
In total, Haldimand County was approved for $7,013,298 in federal-provincial funding, which represents the largest infrastructure funding award the County has received since its formation in 2001.
“One of the many ways our government is strengthening our long-term care system is through funding capital improvements. The improvements nearing completion at Grandview Lodge will improve air quality and temperature control, which are both critical in providing residents with a comfortable, safe and modern place to call home,” said Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta.
Overall, the HVAC upgrades at Grandview have contributed to improved air quality and better temperature and humidity control, both of which are critical for older adults with compromised immune systems.
The new generator and electrical upgrades provide assurance that critical systems like heating and air conditioning will remain operational during power outages.
“The team at Grandview Lodge truly lives its mission to provide residents with comfort, compassion and care,” said MPP Bobbi Ann Brady. “The HVAC renewal, the new generator, and electrical upgrade create an improved living and working environment for residents and staff alike. Both the federal and provincial governments have stepped up; this investment is money well spent.”
