Sod finally turns at ceremonial event for new Dundas Manor
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Author of the article:
Todd Hambleton
Published Dec 15, 2023 • 2 minute read
Indeed, a lot of shovels were ready, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dundas Manor. Photo on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Winchester, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
WINCHESTER — When the new Dundas Manor project was finally shovel-ready, there was no shortage of spades Friday morning at a ceremonial groundbreaking event.
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Dozens of people carried their own shovels as they were invited to, the event held in the shadows of Winchester District Memorial Hospital and not far from the current Dundas Manor long-term care home, a long-awaited celebration that meant a lot to so many in the community – and beyond.
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“It has taken us 10 years to get to today,” said master of ceremonies Cholly Boland, the manor’s president and CEO, telling the large audience the project – at least as a timeline – is 90 per cent complete, with another two-plus years to go before the facility is up and running.
“It’s been quite a journey to get here, literally it’s taken a village to get here.”
Dundas Manor administrator Susan Poirier and resident Joan Dunlop at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dundas Manor. Photo on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Winchester, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
Boland spoke fondly of staff members, volunteers, and residents – but not of the current building.
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“It’s a terrible building,” Boland said. “It’s too small, it’s old, it’s dilapidated. We need a new building.
“(But) if you are here today, you know how precious an asset Dundas Manor is.”
SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn at the podium, with Cholly Boland standing behind him, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dundas Manor. Photo on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Winchester, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
Boland spoke of its regional importance, given incoming residents can come from many areas and municipalities including North Dundas, South Dundas, North Stormont, from all over SDG really and even Ottawa.
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Those who’ve been donors to the Expanding the Circle of Compassionate Care campaign were thanked, and in a program pamphlet handed out guests were reminded the new Dundas Manor will be more than double the size of the current version, with 30 additional residents welcomed, and amenities and improvements will include four resident home areas called homesteads, each with an outdoor gardens nearby, and with larger rooms and each resident having a window.
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The old Dundas Manor, not far from the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dundas Manor. Photo on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Winchester, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
Dundas Manor administrator Susan Poirier spoke at the podium, and brought resident Joan Dunlop with her.
“Today I’m representing the current and future residents of the new (home),” Dunlop told the crowd, adding that she turns 90 next month “I’m so looking forward to being with my friends and having a new home.”
Earlier this week it was announced Frecon Construction Ltd. has been awarded the contract to build the new home.
SDSG MP Eric Duncan at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dundas Manor. Photo on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Winchester, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
Friday’s speakers included Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn, who said the Ford government in Toronto is catching up on the LTC file “after years of government inaction. . . I’m excited to be here today and to be finally turning some dirt on Dundas Manor.”
Said SDSG MP Eric Duncan: “Patience and persistence pays off. It’s 90 per cent done, and by the end of the year, by Dec. 31 regardless of the (weather conditions), ground will be turned.”
Bringing shovels to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dundas Manor. Photo on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Winchester, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
Last month, the WDMH Foundation, which is raising $18 million from the community for the project, announced donations had reached the $12 million mark.
SDG Warden Tony Fraser at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dundas Manor. Photo on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Winchester, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
The $63-million redevelopment project was announced in March 2020. Then estimated to cost $32 million, construction costs for the new 128-bed long-term care home have almost doubled thanks to record inflation in the construction industry. Provincial funding for the new facility has also increased to $40.88 million.
thambleton@postmedia.com
twitter.com/FreeholderTodd
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