Northumberland County is preparing to welcome residents to its new Golden Plough Lodge, a state-of-the-art long-term care facility that doubles the size of the previous home and increases capacity from 151 to 180 beds.
County Director of Public Works Denise Marshall says construction is nearly complete, and the county is working through final ministry inspections and approvals.
Staff training and resident orientation have been ongoing since late 2025.
Marshall says a mock move exercise is scheduled for mid-February as one more step to ensure a smooth transition. The facility features six resident home areas, a memory care unit, interior courtyards, balconies, fireside lounges, a greenhouse for agrotherapy, a hair salon, and ample natural light in every room.
Marshall adds that a key feature is the inclusion of a 6,000-square-foot space for the Northumberland County Archives and Museum, which has outgrown its current location in the Cobourg Public Library.
“This was a great opportunity to work together and make sure we have a space that we can preserve and share Northumberland’s history for the future,” she says.
According to Marshall, the Golden Plough Lodge project budget was carefully adjusted post-pandemic, with ministry funding and long-term planning now in place to maintain quality care without additional financial burden on residents. The county expects to welcome the first residents in the coming weeks, marking a major milestone for healthcare and heritage in Northumberland.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
