A new long-term care home in Westphal will strengthen the community and create opportunities.

That’s according to the CEO of Northwood, the not-for-profit organization partnering with the province and Akoma Holdings Inc. to build the new facility.

“The Akoma Campus will provide a home where seniors can live with dignity, comfort, and belonging, while honouring the legacy of these lands and the people who have led and cared for this community for generations,” said Charbel Daniel.

Ground was broken for the facility Wednesday.

Seniors Minister Barbara Adams said the new home is part of the government’s commitment to build and replace 5,700 long-term care rooms across the province.

The Akoma Campus will provide 144 new long-term care rooms for seniors in the Halifax region.

“This is ensuring seniors can live with dignity and comfort close to their loved ones and their communities and will help meet the needs of our growing population of seniors,” Adams said.

The home will be located on the historic Akoma lands, which hold historical and cultural meaning for the African Nova Scotian community.

The site was home to the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, established in 1921 and an institution that played a significant role in the province’s history.

Akoma Holdings took stewardship of the property in 2014, which has a multi-year plan for developing the land for the community.

Akoma Holdings is a registered charity with a mission to provide stewardship of its assets to create economic and social opportunities for the African Nova Scotian community and general society.

“The Akoma long-term care home is an inspiring example of community partnership,” said African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Twila Grosse. “These lands carry deep meaning for the African Nova Scotian community, and this project demonstrates how collaboration can honour that history while building opportunity for the future and expanding care for seniors in the communities in this area.”

Akoma Holdings property consultant Sunday Miller said the new facility will be a welcoming space that is culturally appropriate for African Nova Scotians.

“The Northwood Akoma Campus is a wonderful example of community partnership,” Miller said. “Two organizations coming together to address the needs of our community by providing safe spaces and meaningful employment opportunities.”