March 1, 2024
Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc.
230 Sophia Street
Saint Andrews, NB E5B2C2
Attention: Ann McIntosh, President
Re: Renewed Passamaquoddy Lodge and Community Care Complex
Dear Ms. McIntosh,
Following the recent visit of Premier Blaine Higgs and Minister Kathy Bockus to Passamaquoddy Lodge, and their discussions with your Board and committee responsible for directing the replacement of the existing long-term care facility, I am pleased to advise that the Department of Social Development is willing to commence negotiations with your organization on a costing model to support a renewed Passamaquoddy Lodge and Community Care Complex.
The Province recognizes and appreciates the extensive research and effort you have undertaken during the past several years to formulate the details of your new Replacement Community-Based Demonstration Complex. The vision inherent in this concept has the potential to place New Brunswick as a national leader in long-term care. We look forward to working with your development team to implement this progressive proposal as defined in the February 2024 attachments (“Attachment A – Our New Replacement Community-Based Demonstration Complex – Project Details”, and “Attachment B” – Our Replacement Community-Based Demonstration Complex – Schematic Design Drawings” prepared by Murdock Boyd Architects and Iron Maple Contractors). It is also recognized that this proposal may change somewhat as the fundraising efforts proceed and we are willing to be actively engaged In any discussions around the final proposal submission.
I make our commitment knowing it is required for your organization to enter negotiations with financial institutions and philanthropic foundations so that both Passamaquoddy Lodge Inc. and the Department understand and agree to the mutual commitments necessary for the successful construction of the complex. I also understand that the financing agreement is conditional on a signed service agreement.
Should financial institutions require Information that more fully clarifies our support, they are invited to contact my Deputy Minister, Jim Mehan.
My Department looks forward to our partnership in this exciting new long-term and evidence-based community care model. Once financial institution information is sufficiently advanced to warrant discussions of the per diem rates, we can then negotiate any agreements necessary to finalize the design and commence the construction phase of the project. Please accept this letter as our comfort letter in support of this project.
To be clear, It is understood and agreed between us that, notwithstanding any of the above, all the above commitments of the Province in respect of the proposed project are subject to and contingent on you providing us with evidence that you have secured sufficient private funding for the project, then us agreeing to enter negotiations regarding, and successfully concluding, a mutually acceptable agreement regarding per diem rates.
Best regards,
Jill Green P.Eng., FCAE, ICD.D
Minister of Social Development
Minister responsible for Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation
Minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation