Move may be on soon to new GPL

Photo by Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, LJI

By Cecilia Nasmith

Work on the new Golden Plough Lodge building has progressed to the point where physical-move planning and resident-transfer planning is under way.

The report by Director of Public Works Denise Marshall at Monday's meeting of Northumberland County council's Public Works Committee included the news that final occupancy is anticipated “in early January.”

Marshall's report noted that a team from the Plough attended a resident move at a Stittsville long-term-care facility last year to gain some insight into the process and the importance of extensive pre-planning.

The report noted that partial occupancy was granted in November “to allow GPL staff to be in the building to complete training, stocking, workflow simulations and other preparations for the Ministry of Long-Term Care Occupancy.”

Compared to the existing GPL facility of approximately 100,000 sq. ft., the new combined Golden Plough Lodge building and Northumberland County Archives and Museum building will be 203,000 sq. ft. (of which 6,000 sq. ft. is for the NCAM space).

As of Dec. 4, the total projected cost of the new building is $144,143,065 – a 25% increase over the original budget of $115,428,999.

The committee received Marshall's report without comment or question.