Breaking News – “Major Milestone” Reached at the Golden Plough Lodge & Northumberland Archives and Museum
Northumberland County has announced the new facility has successfully passed building inspection, is fully up to code, and has now transitioned into the care and control of Northumberland County.
“This marks a major milestone and allows the project to move from construction into final preparation for opening,” said Resident Move Coordinator, Monica Dees.
With construction approvals complete, Dees said the focus now turns to operational readiness for the new Golden Plough Lodge.
This includes staff training and the remaining regulatory approvals required before residents can move into the new long-term care home in the coming months.
At the same time, NCAM staff are preparing to relocate the collection this spring, with plans to welcome researchers and visitors later this year. As with any project of this size, a small number of minor construction items are still being completed in coordination with the contractor.
“Northumberland County remains focused on delivering a facility the community can be proud of,” said Warden Bob Crate.
“A modern long-term care home that responds to growing demand and supports the well-being of residents, families, and staff, alongside a new archives and museum that preserves, celebrates, and shares Northumberland’s history for generations to come.”
Over the coming weeks, the County will continue working closely with the Ministry of Long-Term Care to complete the remaining requirements to receive approval and licensing to operate the new Golden Plough Lodge. This includes reviews of operational plans, staffing models, policies, and infection prevention protocols, along with on-site inspections to ensure all standards are met before residents move in.
To prepare for the transition, the County has been upstaffing and preparing care teams in advance. Staff training and orientation are now underway, with more than 300 staff participating in education on new equipment, systems, and care environments. Regular information sessions for residents and families will continue to ensure everyone remains informed and supported throughout the transition.
A specialized health care relocation firm is also supporting detailed move planning, and a mock resident move exercise is scheduled for mid-February to test procedures and confirm readiness. The official resident move-in date will be confirmed in the coming weeks, once Ministry approvals are finalized.
The new Golden Plough Lodge is a 197,000-square-foot facility with 180 long-term care beds, offering significantly more space than the former home. The building includes six resident home areas, a dedicated memory care unit, interior courtyards, fireside lounges, a large auditorium and chapel, a hair salon, and a greenhouse to support resident wellness.
The facility also includes space for the Northumberland County Archives and Museum. Once established, NCAM will continue preparations for its inaugural exhibition, which will celebrate Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), the first predominant language spoken on this territory. More details on timing will be shared later this year.
“Reaching this stage reflects years of planning and collaboration,” said Director of Public Works Denise Marshall. “This milestone brings us closer to welcoming residents into a modern, safe, and purpose-built home, while also opening a new space for the community to connect with its shared history.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love