THUNDER BAY - Residents at Pinewood Court Long-term Care Home are expected to be out of their residences a little longer than expected after a broken water pipe caused extensive damage to the south side facility.
Pinewood Court is owned and operated by Revera, and according to a statement from Margaret Collins, regional director of operations, restoration of all living spaces is taking longer than expected, with some residents unable to return for several more weeks.
“All living spaces must be completely dry, safe and approved for occupancy before we can allow residents to return,” Collins said in a statement. “The drying process took longer than anticipated, but we are now in the final stages of restoration work. Once complete, we will proceed with approvals and inspections.”
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue was first called to the facility on Walsh Street after reports of a broken water pipe on Nov. 11. It was later discovered that two water pipes broke in the east wing of the building, causing substantial flooding damage.
The entire wing of 61 residents had to be evacuated and 39 of those residents were transported to Hogarth Riverview Manor operated by St. Joseph’s Care Group.
Officials with St. Joseph’s Care Group were told by Revera that the cleanup at Pinewood should take approximately two weeks.
“We hope to be able to move some residents back in the next week and to have the remaining residents home before the middle of the month,” Collins said in a statement.
The cause of the water break is under investigation and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has been notified of the situation.
