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Disaster victims

Six Nations Long-term Care Home to be Rebuilt After Widespread Flood Damage

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent heavy rainfall event that caused flooding across the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve has left the Iroquois Lodge Nursing Home in a state of disrepair, forcing the relocation of over 60 residents. The floodwaters caused extensive damage to the 40-year-old building, including harm to walls and floors due to black water contamination. This incident has accelerated plans to replace the aging facility, with the Ministry of Long-Term Care working closely with Six Nations to determine the construction and project timeline for redevelopment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iroquois Lodge Nursing Home, located on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve, suffered widespread flood damage after a heavy rainfall event in June, leaving over 60 residents displaced.
  • The floodwaters contaminated the building's walls and floors with black water, accelerating plans to replace the 40-year-old facility.
  • The Ministry of Long-Term Care is working with Six Nations to determine the construction and project timeline for redevelopment, which will include adding 14 additional beds to the new home.
  • A recent inspection revealed that the home had a history of water damage, including flooding from a leaky pipe in 2023 and repeated damage leading to an order from the Ministry of Long-Term Care to repair the building in December 2024.
  • The order, issued on December 2, 2024, required Six Nations to remove mould from several rooms, test air quality, and address other safety concerns, but it is unclear whether these orders were complied with prior to the June flooding.
  • Six Nations has declined to comment on the status of the order, stating that their priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and staff as they respond to the flooding incident.

Statistics:

  • 100 millimetres: The estimated amount of rainfall that fell on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in a 12-hour period in June.
  • 60: The number of residents relocated from the Iroquois Lodge Nursing Home due to the flood damage.
  • 14: The additional number of beds planned for the new home, which will bring the total to 134 beds.
  • 100%: The percentage of residents displaced due to the flood, according to a news release from Six Nations on August 26.
  • 40: The age of the Iroquois Lodge Nursing Home building, which is scheduled for replacement following the flood damage.

Sources:

  • Six Nations of the Grand River, News Release, August 26, 2022.
  • Ministry of Long-Term Care, Spokesperson, Email to The Hamilton Spectator, August 26, 2022.
  • Chasity VanEvery, Health Communications Officer, Six Nations, Email to The Hamilton Spectator, August 15, 2022.
  • The Hamilton Spectator, Kate McCullough, Report, August 26, 2022.

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