Northumberland County has announced a conditional land sale agreement with Omni Quality Living in the Westwood Drive and Kerr Street area, which officials say will support a new long-term care home and expansion of housing at the property.
“This conditional sale marks an exciting step in strengthening the range of housing and care options available to residents,” said Warden Brian Ostrander. “Omni has a strong track record of delivering quality long-term care services in Ontario and their investment here aligns perfectly with the county’s broader goals of improving access to care and creating a healthy, connected community for residents at all stages of life.”
County officials also said this announcement marks another step forward in transforming the Westwood Drive property into a vibrant, community-focused development, following the county’s purchase in 2024. The conditional sale agreement with Omni is reportedly for four acres of the county-owned site in the Westwood Drive and Kerr Street Cobourg area.
“Omni plans to build a new long-term care home on the property – an investment that will expand access to high-quality, compassionate care for seniors across Northumberland and surrounding communities,” said the county, in a release.
Staff have also noted that the proposed sale will help offset a portion of the county’s original $3-million investment in the 14-acre property, “strengthening the county’s ability to advance future housing opportunities on the remaining 10 acres of land.”
Omni is supposed to start preliminary studies and planning work for its long-term care project “in the near future.”
As a result, residents may notice activity in the coming months as early work progresses.
“This partnership with Omni highlights the value of the county’s strategic acquisition of the Westwood Drive lands,” said Dwayne Campbell, the county’s director of economic development, planning and strategic initiatives. “By working collaboratively with trusted community partners, we’re leveraging public investment to deliver multiple benefits – expanding care options for seniors, creating new economic opportunities and advancing our long-term housing goals.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)