In September, Extendicare officially opened Extendicare Crossing Bridge in Stittsville, Ontario. A new home sweet home for 256 residents in the Ottawa region.The celebration was attended by the Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care; George Darouze, MPP for Carleton; Dr. Michael Guerriere, Extendicare President and CEO; as well as residents, family members, and team members of Extendicare Crossing Bridge.
“Extendicare Crossing Bridge reflects the best of modern long-term care – welcoming, comfortable spaces where families can connect and residents feel at home. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario and the City of Ottawa for their commitment to bringing this project to life, as we work to replace and expand all of our older homes and strengthen the system for Ontario’s seniors,” said Dr. Guerriere.
“The opening of Extendicare Crossing Bridge marks a significant milestone in our government’s plan to protect residents and increase access to world-class health care across the province, including here in Ottawa. Now that construction is complete, 256 additional residents have a safe and modern place to call home,” said Minister Kusendova-Bashta.
Residents at Extendicare Crossing Bridge
In February 2025, residents and team members from the former Extendicare West End Villa into their new home at Extendicare Crossing Bridge.
Barbara, a resident at Crossing Bridge, spoke warmly about her experience settling into the new home.
“Our new home is beautiful, and the staff have been so supportive in helping us adjust,” she said. “With more space, the environment feels peaceful, and I truly appreciate having the privacy of my own room.”
Family members also shared their excitement about the new environment. Michele Chan, whose mother is a resident, highlighted the home’s outdoor features.
“There is a beautiful garden with a tranquil stream running between two ponds, with a pretty bridge over it,” she smiled. “My mother hasn’t spent this much time outside, breathing in fresh air, in years.”
The grand opening event was featured by local media including Stittsville Central. MPP for Carleton, George Darouze was noted in the article saying, “the opening of Extendicare Crossing Bridge is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a promise fulfilled to the people of Stittsville and the surrounding communities. These 256 new long-term care beds mean our seniors can age with dignity, in a safe, modern environment close to family and friends. This investment reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life and ensuring compassionate care is accessible to every senior in Carleton and Ottawa.”
Home features of Extendicare Crossing Bridge
With eight resident home areas, Extendicare Crossing Bridge is home to high-quality seniors’ health care in more intimate, community-oriented spaces.
Features include:
- Activity and therapeutic areas
- A country kitchen and dedicated dining rooms
- Resident communities
- Dementia-friendly design
Clinical services include 24-hour nursing and personal care, physician access, restorative care, and specialized support for residents living with dementia.
Building for the future
Extendicare is committed to renewing and modernizing long-term care across Canada. Crossing Bridge is the third new Extendicare home opened in Ontario in the past 18 months, following the launch of Extendicare Limestone Ridge in Kingston earlier this summer.
Construction is currently underway on six active redevelopment projects, including in St. Catharines, Port Stanley, and London, Ontario.
With more than 50 years of providing long-term care homes, Extendicare will continue to build for the future and strengthen the long-term care system for generations to come.
Read more about Extendicare Crossing Bridge in the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s news release