Albright Manor: Revitalizing Comfort for Generations to Come

High on the Niagara Escarpment, surrounded by tranquil green spaces and breathtaking views, Albright Manor Long-Term Care Home (Albright Manor) has been a cornerstone of compassionate senior care in Beamsville, Ontario since 1966. For more than 200 residents, the non-profit facility is not only a place where they can count on receiving quality care but also a setting where they can truly thrive.

However, despite the picturesque surroundings, the building’s aging infrastructure began to strain the very environment Albright Manor had worked so hard to create.

Facing Critical Challenges

Outdated HVAC equipment and controls created significant challenges for residents and caregivers alike. Staff members, dedicated to providing exceptional care, struggled to maintain resident comfort despite their best efforts.

The staff at Albright Manor knew that creating a truly welcoming and supportive space required more than temporary fixes. They needed a lasting solution aligned with their mission to provide a loving home with the highest quality of care. However, funding such a large-scale project presented significant hurdles.

A Path Forward

Albright Manor leadership reached out to Trane to help gain a better understanding of the building’s issues. Trane’s assessment laid the foundation for funds available through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) - a collaboration between the governments of Canada and its provinces to invest in long-term infrastructure projects¹.

The grant application highlighted the essential upgrades needed to improve conditions for residents, staff, and the broader community. The collaborative effort paid off when the grant was approved. By securing over $4.5 million in funding, the path to transformation became clear.

“Having access to this level of funding was a game-changer,” shared Saad, Akhter, CEO with Albright Manor. “It allowed us to tackle not only immediate concerns but also think strategically about sustainability and caring for future generations.”

A Welcome Transformation

The project addressed critical needs with a comprehensive plan that included:

• Installing a high-efficiency cooling system to replace a 22-year-old chiller.
• Upgrading 10 air-handling units to provide more consistent comfort.
• Adding four high-efficiency humidifiers to elevate indoor air quality.
• Implementing a state-of-the-art building automation system giving staff precise control over residents’ environments.
• Plus, a full lighting retrofit supported by more than $100,000 in utility rebates was completed following the initial HVAC and controls updates.

These upgrades helped improve day-to-day operations while reflecting Albright Manor’s commitment to sustainability. The project delivered projected annual savings of 194 tons of CO2 emissions, $63,816 in energy costs, and $22,000 in water expenses. By reducing energy costs, the facility can reallocate funds to further enhance the resident experience.

Bringing the Community Together

Albright Manor leadership recognized the importance of communicating the project’s impact. In collaboration with Trane, they hosted a Staff and Resident Information Day. Attendees enjoyed lunch, participated in games, and learned about the updates. The event went beyond showcasing technical upgrades and their benefits; it served as an opportunity to bring the community together, share the vision behind the project, and celebrate its success.

“Seeing the smiles on residents’ faces and hearing the staff talk about how much more enjoyable their work has become - that’s what this project is really about,” said Saad Akhter with Albright Manor.

A New Era

Albright Manor’s transformation didn’t just modernize the facility—it revitalized it. Residents now enjoy consistent comfort; staff can focus on delivering exceptional care without the burden of unreliable systems. The improvements also underscore a commitment to sustainability, setting a standard for compassionate care and environmental stewardship that will benefit future generations.

^{1 Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program}