Friday afternoon dignitaries gathered at the under-construction personal care home in Carman to step inside the walls and get a feel for the place.

The modern design will allow residents to share meals together around a table in the hopes of being a home, not a hospital.

"I know the communities are watching it as it comes up above the ground so it's exciting to see that. It has been a huge investment by the communities, by community members into this project, so it really looks good," says Midland MLA and Minister of Growth, Enterprise, and Trade Blaine Pedersen.

The 110-bed project began construction in spring and is expected to be open by sometime in 2021.

Dignitaries geared up in safety vests and gear to get a close-up look at the beginning work on the homes.

"This is an exciting day . . . for the people in our communities who need these places closer to home. Not only that, but then places that will reflect the latest things that we understand about theory, about what makes a good placement for an elderly person in a personal care home," says Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen.

The first of two phases of construction is ongoing, with work in progress on the pilings and concrete work for the foundations on a new, 80-bed facility. When complete, the site will accommodate residents with general dementia or other special needs.

"We know that it has been a challenge on this construction site for the last number of weeks," Friesen says hinting at the recent snowstorm and heavy autumn rain. "We are all determined to continue to forge ahead and get this place moving quickly."

The new facility, called Boyne Care, will be the first example of this new care home design in the area. Houses will be in clusters of 10 to 12 rooms; each with a large gathering space, a smaller private lounge, a dining area, an activity space, and private washrooms and showers. The new facility will also include maintenance, laundry and housekeeping service areas, storage, offices, staff areas and exterior patios, walkways and parking.

“Families waiting for long-term care for their loved ones are in need of more personal care home spaces,” said Jane Curtis, chief executive officer, Southern Health-Santé Sud. “Boyne Care is an ambitious project that will enable more people in Carman and surrounding communities to stay closer to home for long-term personal care. We look forward to joining our project partners and the Manitoba government in welcoming families and residents to this new neighbourhood-minded space for integrated, holistic, long-term care.”

Phase two will see the existing personal care home will be renovated to add 30 beds and modernize support space.