Regional update on Upper Canada Lodge closure

Long-term care home Upper Canada Lodge is currently in the final steps of helping its residents relocate, with closure currently on track for 2024,
according to a recent update from the town’s regional councillor.

This is part of the shifting landscape of long-term care living in Niagara-on-the-Lake, with Niagara Long Term Care and Pleasant Manor both planning expansions, although neither will be ready in time for Upper Canada Lodge residents.

NOTL regional councillor Andrea Kaiser, who attended the town council’s March 28 meeting, says Niagara Region is finalizing “transition plans for residents” leaving the region-owned home on Wellington Street.

They aim for residents to move to the home of their choice, Kaiser said.

“There is a large percentage of the residents who actually don’t reside in Niagara-on-the-Lake,” she said. “The region is working with residents themselves to understand where they would liketo be.”

Upper Canada Lodge, an 80-bed facility, was originally expected to close in 2022, according to a NOTL Local report from July 2019. At the time, director of senior services Henri Koning said it was not feasible to redevelop the property to align it with provincial standards.

As for the future of the property, which sits on land owned by Parks Canada, Kaiser said “it’s still early days” and would require the region and Parks Canada to come together for a discussion, including what activities can and cannot take place on this property.

Coun. Gary Burroughs pointed out while the lodge doesn’t meet new provincial standards, he believes it is “structurally, quite sound” and hopes to see the town have some say in its future.

“Because it’s in our community, because it’s about 80 separate rooms with common space, with dining, with a bar, it’s an ideal situation for something,” he said. “I just think the residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake should participate, only because it’s in the town.”

Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa said this can be discussed during council’s upcoming strategic planning session for 2023.