Location: Tavistock, ON
East Zorra-Tavistock Mayor Phil Schaefer’s words captured the spirit of the day as the community gathered on June 25 to celebrate the grand opening of the redeveloped peopleCare Tavistock. For Schaefer, the moment was personal, decades ago, he met his wife here when she worked as a health care aide.
For Executive Director Deb Wettlaufer, the new home holds special meaning. “I grew up in the old building, helping my mom in the kitchen when I was just a kid,” she shared. “It’s bittersweet leaving behind those memories, but we’re ready to make new ones here. It’s beautiful, bright, welcoming and built to feel like home.”
The new home features smaller resident areas that create warm, familiar spaces for daily living. It includes dementia care services and large common areas where residents can spend time with family and friends.
Families, staff and neighbours marked the grand opening with live music, speeches and a strawberry social. Celebrating not just a building, but a community’s commitment to caring for its seniors.
“This modern, welcoming facility represents a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of local seniors,” said Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman, who was honoured by the Resident Council for his long-time support.
Long-term care homes like peopleCare Tavistock are pillars of rural communities — providing quality care, peace of mind for families and good local jobs that strengthen the local economy. Rebuilding and expanding homes like this means seniors can stay close to the people and places they love, while supporting local workers and businesses.
As Ontario grows and ages, new and renewed long-term care homes will keep delivering care, stability and economic value — helping communities like Tavistock thrive for generations to come.
