JANUARY 17, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPEN HOUSES PLANNED FOR LONG-DELAYED PASSAMAQUODDY LODGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Support sought across Southwestern New Brunswick to get government approval for stalled new Lodge.

SAINT ANDREWS – With the province continuing to stall approval of a new, modern Passamaquoddy long-term residential care and early childhood education facility, the frustrated development committee is reaching out for help.

The committee, which has worked tirelessly to advance the innovative project for five years, has scheduled two Open Houses to seek support from across the multiple communities the current Lodge serves.

“We have spent years on research and raised more than $500,000 for in-depth studies required to jump through hurdles continuously thrown at us by the province,” says committee chair Caroline Davies. “We have heard great praise for our design concepts and received solid support from several ever-changing cabinet ministers, yet no one will give the final approval to move forward.”

A full update as well as detailed plans, renderings and schematics for the residential-style complex will be available Jan. 24 from 2-3:30pm with a presentation at 2.30 pm. A second Open House will take place Jan. 25th from 6:30-8pm with a 7pm presentation. All will be held at the W.C. O’Neill Arena in Saint Andrews.

The complex includes space for 100 child-care spots and a community activity hub to encourage aging in their homes for our seniors. Several other innovative provinces have adopted a similar model.

With the current 50-year-old lodge no longer meeting provincial standards, and the daycare bursting at the seams, the development committee hopes the public will sign letters of support, which will then be delivered to Premier Blaine Higgs, members of his cabinet and our local MLA.

“Until the government agrees to negotiate a per diem rate and says ‘yes, you can begin construction’, we cannot put that first shovel in the ground,” says Davies. “Delays are putting potentially $20 million in fundraising at risk.”

Regional residents have the option of viewing the plans and schematics at https://passamaquoddylodge.ca. Copies of the Statement of Support can be picked up at the Saint Andrews’ town hall during regular business hours. They can be dropped off at any of the following: Saint Andrews Town Hall, Passamaquoddy Lodge, or Passamaquoddy Daycare at 390 Montague Street or their satellite location in the basement of the Catholic Church at 212 Parr Street.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:
Caroline Davies: 506-469-0212
or Donne Smith: 506 – 466-8880