Protesters lined the highway in front of Grey Gables in Markdale Tuesday.
Employees of the long term care home, as well as area residents, are concerned the county-run facility could close.
In a report to go before Grey County Council Thursday, the county's director of long term care, Lynne Johnson, recommends Grey Gables be put up for sale as an assisted living facility. The 66 residents would be moved to a new facility to be built in Durham and amalgamated with Rockwood Terrace.
Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen says employees are worried.
"It's the uncertainty. It's the uncertainty of the future of Grey Gables and the community of Markdale and their jobs," says McQueen.
David Cox is the local OPSEU rep for the 90 full and part-time Grey Gables employees. He says closure would affect the whole area.
"Family members want to be close to the residents. They don't want to have to be driving further. People don't want to be driving further for their jobs. I think for this community there's a strong attachment, they want services in this community, in this area of Grey Highlands," says Cox.
Ruth Winters' husband Delbert is a resident at Grey Gables. She says it would be a hardship for them both if Grey Gables closes and he's moved to Durham.
"It's going to be quite a bit further to go and visit him, I go three times a week. I'm just not familiar with Durham at all."
Both McQueen and Cox encourage people to come out to the Grey County Council meeting Thursday morning to make it clear they want Grey Gables to stay open.
Grey Gables, Markdale.
Photo by Kirk Scott