The Golden Plough Lodge long-term care and Northumberland County Archives and Museum redevelopment project is nearly 90 per cent complete. /Northumberland County YouTube screenshot
The Golden Plough Lodge (GPL) long-term care and Northumberland County Archives and Museum (NCAM) redevelopment project has entered the home stretch.
“The new Golden Plough Lodge and Northumberland County Archives and Museum project has entered its final stage of construction, bringing us closer to welcoming residents and staff into this brand-new modern facility,” says Denise Marshall, director of public works for the county.
Marshall says close to 200 workers remain onsite, tackling everything from interior finishes and painting, to drywall, cabinetry, connecting essential systems for the LTC environment, energizing lighting systems, and more.
Throughout the building, flooring installation is also reportedly underway, and cabinets, cupboards and vanities are being fitted. Meanwhile, preparation for the final commissioning of mechanical systems is also in-progress.
“Every detail is coming together to create a first-class long-term care environment,” says Marshall.
Each home area in the revamped GPL is being designed to accommodate up to 32 residents. The new space will also house activity rooms, lounges, cafes, and more.
“As work continues from the upper floors downward, the focus remains on delivering a warm, welcoming, and functional home – one that meets the needs of both residents and staff, fostering exceptional care in a truly home-like setting,” say county officials.
In terms of specific figures, the county has confirmed the redevelopment project is officially 89 per cent complete, “marking significant progress toward opening this new facility,” reads a recent release from the county.
As construction work continues, so does work to prepare for the big day.
“As we approach the final stages of preparing for move-in, our focus is shifting to the people who will call this place home – our residents, their families and our dedicated staff,” explains Glenn Dees, director of health and human services.
Dees also notes that the county’s occupancy plan has been submitted to the ministry for review, and in the coming months, on-site training and staff training on new equipment and workflows will get underway.
Ultimately, Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care assesses policies, equipment, processes, et cetera, in accordance with LTC standards. An official inspection is also set for one month before the move-in.
Meanwhile, Dees says move-in day will be a “highly-co-ordinated effort,” which is “planned down to the minute.”
On the NCAM side of things, staff are also preparing for an exciting transition and their move this fall.
The project has been hailed as unique in Ontario for its “one-of-a-kind collaboration between heritage and community wellbeing.”
“To prepare for the move, the NCAM team is focused on organizing and carefully packing (more than) 530 metres – (the) equivalent to almost nine hockey rinks – of archival materials and hundreds of artefacts, so they can safely make the journey to their new home,” explains archivist Abigail Miller. “The new facility will feature expanded space for researchers, a modern conservation lab, specialized collections storage, and a gallery for exhibitions and community programs.”
According to the county, NCAM is also in the final stages of design for the first community exhibition to be launched in the new gallery, which will celebrate Anishinaabemowin in the Michi Saagiig dialect – the first predominant language spoken on this land.
“With every milestone we reach, we’re getting closer to opening a facility that will serve our community for generations to come,” says Marshall. “This project is a major investment in Northumberland County’s future.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
