New Golden Plough Lodge opens

Photo by Cecilia Nasmith.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Following its 2020 groundbreaking, Thursday was opening day at last for the newly rebuilt Golden Plough Lodge.

Northumberland County's only municipally operated long-term-care facility celebrated the milestone with an invitation-only ceremony in the morning and a public open house in the afternoon.

County Chief Administrative Officer Dan Borowec welcomed invited guests to the large, sunny auditorium, describing the facility as “bigger, brighter, built for the way we care for people today.”

Warden Bob Crate, who has championed this project since the beginning, noted the rural nature of the county and the way its people take care of each other

“Exactly what the Golden Plough Lodge has stood for all these years - friends, neighbours looking after each other,” Crate stated.

Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini described the build as “the biggest construction project the county has undertaken in decades, bar none.”

The Ontario government supported the project with $4.49-million in construction grants, and has committed to an annual $1.35-million for 25 years in support of this redevelopment.

Resident Council President Brian McLaughlin expounded on the new and improved amenities. The tours offered after the ribbon cutting offered the chance to see them close-up. They include a family dining and fireside lounge and strategically located satellite nursing stations.

The cafe areas offer an agreeable place for residents to meet friends and family members, and there's even a larger private dining room for family gatherings and special occasions.

A sensory room offers a peaceful environment designed to support relaxation and cognitive well being with specialized lighting, sound and tactile elements that help staff guide provide a therapeutic experience.

Additional amenities include a hair salon, multi-purpose activity spaces, and quiet rooms for reflection or visiting.

One surprise not visible from the building's exterior is the three-storey interior courtyard that gives a natural-light feeling to so much of the interior. This feature got approving remarks from a staffer.

“Everywhere you look, you can see outside,” she commented.

The move to the 197,000-sq.-ft. facility means an expansion from 151 beds to 180. Two “resident home areas” are on each of the three floors – five with 32 beds each, and one specialized 20-bed memory-care home.

Along with private rooms, there are semi-private rooms that feature separate entrances with a shared bathroom. Basic rooms offer a privacy wall between the beds. All have adjustable beds, television and internet access, built-in storage and emergency call systems.

The resident move-in date is Sunday.

As for the Northumberland County Archives and Museum, which are located in the same building, that facility will open Sept. 18.