The meeting was chaired by Chairman Allan Meiusi. Other board members present were: Tiina Tamm (Treasurer), Karl Otsa, Rita Paju, Tiina Maripuu (Secretary), Mihkel Jürima, and Tiina Hubel. Board members excused were Pia Hess and Juta (Metsala) Corcoran.
Quorum was confirmed. Minutes from the 2024 Annual General Meeting were approved.
The financial statements of the corporation for the financial year ending December 31st 2025, as presented by audit firm Ford Keast, were distributed to the members and approved. The auditor, Tim Hill, declared they found the books, and how the procedures are established, to be clean. Overall, the ERC has a strong balance sheet and some cash set aside for future repairs and replacements. Ford Keast was approved as the Corporate Auditors for fiscal year 2026. The annual membership dues of $10 were approved for 2026-27. Three new board members were accepted by acclamation for three-year terms: Karl Otsa, Juta Corcoran and Tiina Hubel.
In 2025, ERC took a leadership role with other cultural homes to petition the Ministry of Long-Term Care to prioritize admissions for members of designated cultural groups into Ontario Nursing Homes.
Kristiina Valter presented her Executive Director’s report to the membership. She reiterated that 2025 had a successful financial result and higher than expected occupancy in the retirement home. The Nursing Home continues to have a long waiting list and Retirement Home residents and their caregivers are urged to submit applications in advance.
In 2025, ERC took a leadership role with other cultural homes to petition the Ministry of Long-Term Care to prioritize admissions for members of designated cultural groups into Ontario Nursing Homes. The percentage of Estonians in the Nursing Home has increased to 60% to date.
She reminded us that residents in both the retirement and nursing home have access to in-house services such as a monthly newsletter, on-site doctors, a tuck shop, monthly visits by the bank, 24/7 nursing response, specialized extra care and free access to all programs and events. Kristiina concluded her presentation with “We continue to remain focused on providing quality care and services for our residents with dedicated, loyal and caring staff in a safe, clean, sociable and enjoyable environment.”
Allan Meiusi presented a report about the Board’s activities for 2025. For Strategic Sector Research & End-of-Life Care, the Board remains committed to gathering the clinical, legal, and operational insights necessary to guide our policies going forward.
With regards to Redevelopment, Site Selection & Master Planning: Driven by provincial targets to address the long-term care bed shortage, new capital funding programs and surplus land offerings present the Board with more strategic alternatives that warrant proper due diligence in 2026 and early 2027. With regards to Facility Modernization & Future Living Models: Work is underway on critical modernization projects, including essential elevator upgrades and the renewal of our sauna. Standard suites and rooms remain available in the retirement home and we continue to reach out to community members who have expressed interest.
The meeting was concluded with questions from members. A key concern is about where to learn more about nursing home applications. Erika Jõgi and Maimu Mölder emphasized that “Lõbus Pärastlõuna” is the perfect forum to ask questions and get answers on this topic and anything else important for our seniors.
