Cambridge welcomes 108 new long-term care beds

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Ed and Karen Nowak Long-Term Care Home in Cambridge, Ont. on June 16, 2026. (Colton Wiens/CTV News)

People looking for long-term care may be able to find space at a new facility in Cambridge.

Fairview Mennonite Homes opened the not-for-profit Ed and Karen Nowak Long-Term Care Home, an expansion of an existing home. The redeveloped building includes 108 new spaces, on top of the 84 existing spots.

“Completing a project of this scale and complexity ahead of schedule and on budget is a true testament to the power of a shared vision and meaningful collaboration with our partners,” Elaine Shantz, president and CEO of Fairview Mennonite Homes Cambridge, said. “Beyond the bricks and mortar, this expansion transforms lives.”

The work included adding another storey on an existing two-storey building.

“It means serving a lot more people that are trying to get access to long-term care,” Bob Shantz, chair of the Fairview Parkwood Craigwiel Communities board of directors, explained. “The most needy get on a list, and then they are chosen to go to long-term care. And so, we can accommodate more people.”

According to the provincial government, the facility uses a model featuring six “resident home areas” that allow 32 residents to share dining and activity areas, lounges and bedrooms. There are also two secure landscaped courtyards.

The province said the Ed and Karen Nowak Long-Term Care Home supports over 200 jobs in nursing, personal support, nutrition services, programming and administration.

The facility is named after a couple known for their generosity and community spirit.

Ed Nowak died in August 2025 after a 42-month battle with cancer.

His obituary said he served as the co-chair of the Fairview Parkwood Craigwiel Communities Board of Directors.

“In recognition of his and Karen’s long-standing commitment and generosity, a significant donation was made in their honour — the new 192-bed long-term care facility is named the Ed and Karen Nowak Long Term Care Home. A deeply humbling and meaningful affirmation of their legacy.”

Karen Nowak told CTV News on Tuesday that her aunt used to live at the facility prior to the renovation.

“It’s a privilege. It really is,” she said when asked about the building’s name. “When we learned that an anonymous donor was providing a donation and the building was to be named after us. It was something we never could have imagined. And my husband Ed was such an integral part of the board and helping to fundraise for this building, that today it’s just an honour to be here.”