From left to right, Cameron Love, President and CEO, The Ottawa Hospital; James Schlegel, President and CEO, Schlegel Healthcare; Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario MPP and Minister of Long-Term Care; George Darouze, MPP, Carleton; and Claude Brulé, President and CEO, Algonquin College.
On the Riverside Campus of The Ottawa Hospital, construction of the city’s newest long-term care home is well underway as Schlegel Villages marks a major milestone in the development of The Village of Riverbank Terrace. The 256-bed Village represents the latest expansion of Schlegel Villages’ mission to bring its social model of living to more communities across the province. The organization is proud to partner with the Province of Ontario, The Ottawa Hospital, and Algonquin College to bring this vision to life.
“With construction underway, today marks a significant milestone for the Schlegel Villages Ottawa project,” says Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Once finished, 256 residents will have a new home where they can receive the care they need.”
Once construction is complete in early 2027, The Village of Riverbank Terrace will feature the distinctive elements that define Schlegel Villages across Ontario, all centred around the Main Street and the neighbourhood design. Residents and neighbours will have access to a wide range of services, amenities, and daily experiences designed to foster connection and well-being. Continuing its leadership in reimagining long-term care, Schlegel Villages will offer exclusively private suites for all residents at Riverbank Terrace.
The decision to provide private accommodations reflects a commitment to dignity, privacy, and a true sense of home. In addition to strengthening infection prevention and control measures, private suites support the well-established understanding that individuals living with dementia benefit from personalized environments filled with familiar and meaningful belongings.
“Each new Village we design and build is enhanced by the experience we have gained from those we currently operate,” says James Schlegel. “Our belief in relationships as the foundation of care and support, however, remains constant, and it is an honour to bring our Village concept and philosophy of care to Ottawa.”
Schlegel Villages and The Village of Riverbank Terrace are proud to partner with The Ottawa Hospital to help meet growing community needs and ease pressure on the region’s acute care system. “Partnerships like this are essential to building a more integrated and sustainable health system,” says Cameron Love, President & CEO, The Ottawa Hospital. “The Village of Riverbank Terrace will play a key role in supporting patients who no longer need hospital care, while enhancing capacity across our entire region.”
In addition, Algonquin College will offer advanced training opportunities within the Village through a state-of-the-art Living Classroom, creating hands-on learning experiences for Personal Support Worker and Practical Nursing students.
“The Living Classroom at The Village of Riverbank Terrace will provide our students with invaluable, hands-on experience in a real-world care environment,” says Erin Stitt-Cavanagh, Dean, School of Health Studies. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of caregivers with the skills, compassion, and confidence needed in today’s evolving health system.”
“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when education, healthcare and long-term care come together with a shared purpose. By expending Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker training at The Village of Riverbank Terrace, we are increasing access to high-quality, hands-on learning in a real-world care environment. In collaboration with Schlegel Villages and in close connection with the Ottawa Hospital, we are strengthening the pipeline of skills, compassionate graduates who are ready to support Ontario’s health system, today and into the future,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO.
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Placement in any long-term care home in the province is coordinated through Ontario Health atHome. The Village of Riverbank Terrace is expected to open in the spring of 2027, and the waitlist for placement will likely open 3-4 months prior to a confirmed opening date. To learn more about long-term care placement click here or call Ontario Health atHome, seven (7) days a week, 365 days a year call 310-2222 (no area code required). This service will automatically direct your call to the nearest office from your calling location.