Northumberland marks new era of care with opening of 180-bed Golden Plough Lodge
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‘This is a real place that residents who built this community can call home’
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
Years in the making, Northumberland County’s new Golden Plough Lodge 180-bed long-term care facility has officially opened and welcomed residents into their new home, building on more than a century of tradition of care.
“This new home feels like a breath of fresh air, with more space, more opportunities, and so much to look forward to,” said Brian McLaughlin, president of the Golden Plough Lodge resident council. “But what makes it home is the people – the care and friendships from staff, residents and families.”
At a grand-opening celebration held on Aug. 20 – just days before move-in day for residents last Sunday – McLaughlin spoke of a “beautiful building” and a home not just with spacious rooms, but amenities like an auditorium, and courtyard, which he believes will serve residents well for years to come and build on GPL’s history of providing care to residents, seniors and families for more than a century.
“And I just want to say that we are very fortunate that the dedicated staff are moving along with us,” added McLaughlin.
“It’s their care and support that make this home special,” he said, while touching on the excitement around the start of a new chapter and thanking all those who rallied to bring to life the new purpose-built, 197,000-square-foot facility on Courthouse Road in Cobourg.
As previously reported, the $145-million redevelopment project was years in the making, with projects costs initially estimated at about $115 million. According to a county spokesperson, this $145M represents the full project cost – from property acquisition and pre-construction studies, through to design and construction, as well as project costs for Phase 2 demolition of the former GPL and Phase 3, which includes roadworks, servicing and landscaping of this area.
The project’s roots date back to 2020, when officials were first eyeing a completion date of December 2022. Fallout from the global COVID-19 pandemic plagued the project timeline and ultimately, the budget. There were reported construction-related challenges, material cost increases, skilled labour shortages, high interest rates, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions to grapple with, along with fluctuating oil and gas prices, which officials earlier said all contributed to a prolonged build.
As previously reported, targeted move-in dates earlier this year were also postponed as the county worked with the Ministry of Long-Term Care to check all the boxes during what was described as a rigorous ministry licensing and approvals process prior to the official transition.
And yet, many persevered to see the project through, and on Aug. 23, residents finally made the move to their long-awaited home with help from staff, families, volunteers and a professional healthcare relocation team, all working together to support the transition.
In addition to a major milestone for local healthcare, the new facility also represents the largest infrastructure project – including in terms of scale and complexity – ever undertaken by Northumberland County.
From architects to engineers, tradespeople, healthcare specialists and county staff, it took a mighty contingent to pull it off through years of planning, design, construction, commissioning and operational preparation, noted officials.
Warden Bob Crate called the new GPL “an important investment in the future of care in Northumberland County.”
This was a massive undertaking and team effort incorporating caregivers and staff across multiple county, public works and corporate divisions, along with construction partners, designers and more, to bring this vision to life, Crate also noted during last week’s ceremony,
while extending congratulations and appreciation on behalf of county council.
“Your expertise and attention are reflected throughout this home, and we appreciate the work you’ve done to help us arrive at this moment,” continued Crate. “To our provincial partners, thank you for funding investments and ministry guidance, which has enabled us to open the doors for this new home – proof of what’s possible when a municipality and the province pursue the same goal (and) the highest standard shared together.
“And finally – and most importantly – to our residents, thank you for your input, your patience, and your trust throughout this journey. You have helped shape this building (by) sharing your ideas, your experiences, and your hopes for what this place could become.
“Today it is a home shaped by the people who will live here, a place to build new memories, continue old traditions, and feel a true sense of belonging.”
The Golden Plough Lodge is Northumberland County’s only municipally-owned and operated long-term care home – and this modernization project doesn’t just replace the old structure. The new facility also incorporates the new Northumberland County Archives and Museum.
The new long-term care home also represents an increase in beds from 151 to 180.
“With this project, we’ve honoured the legacy of those who came before us while creating new homes for the generations to come,” said Dan Borowec, Northumberland County’s CAO, as he went on to thank all those who contributed to the project and for their vision, passion, commitment, and perseverance. “Thank you for always pushing (and) always advocating, every step of the way, both residents and staff.”
Reflecting on reaching the goal of officially opening the doors, Borowec said: “I know that we will continue to work together to build the legacy created here (and) a great future where every resident continues to feel cared for (and) valued …”
County officials also stressed that the commitment to provide compassionate, resident-centred care and a place that residents are proud to call home, remains steadfast. And this is ultimately what the home was designed to achieve through resident input, added officials.
The new facility has been designed to support resident dignity, choice, independence, comfort and quality-of-life for future generations, said the county, which also recently unveiled refreshed branding for the new home to mark the start of a new era for GPL.
To help make the new GPL a reality, the province also invested a reported $4.49 million in grants to support construction of a facility with 29 additional beds – and has committed a construction subsidy of $1.35 million annually for 25 years to support the redevelopment, according to a county release.
“I think we very much define ourselves as a society on how we care for others,” said Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini. “And I think this building is a remarkable articulation of that – of caring for those who’ve built our community.”
Reflecting on grand-opening celebrations, Piccini called the new building a true testament to community.
“This is a real place that residents who built this community can call home.”
Piccini vowed his government will continue to provide essential funding to help seniors access care close to home for generations to come, while thanking project partners, with an emphasis on Northumberland County, and dedicated front-line health-care workers.
Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson also offered congratulations, while touching on the significance of caring for Elders.
“Some of our most beloved Elders are residents here,” said Simpson. “We thank you for all the planning that went into this new facility to make all the residents cared for and comfortable.
“It is a sacred responsibility that we give our Elders the same care they once gave us. Looking after the people who raised us isn’t a duty we choose – it’s a responsibility we honour. I’m grateful to see that truth reflected in this new home.”
GPL administrator Alanna Clark called last week’s gathering ahead a tremendous occasion for celebration and expressed gratitude for staff in her opening remarks.
“Every day, every shift, they don’t just walk into work, they walk into someone’s home,” Clark noted, echoing Piccini’s sentiments around how it takes a special type of person to do this well day-after-day with the same compassion, regardless of whether it’s their first or hundredth shift.
“I am grateful for the people who do this work, and I’m truly looking forward to continuing the legacy of our existing home by creating a home here where our residents feel cared for and respected,” continued Clark, adding growth will continue so even more residents will experience “the quality of care a century of experience can bring and a genuine place of friendship and belonging.”
The new facility encompasses a combination of one- and two-bed rooms across six resident home areas. Some of the additional highlights include a sensory room, café and hair salon, along with fireside lounges, a greenhouse for agri-therapy, an auditorium for concerts and resident events, and outdoor courtyards and pathways.
The new Northumberland County Archives and Museum is set to open Sept. 18. The Independent will have more to come on this story.
- With files from Tim Burgess and Natalie Hamilton
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