No images? Click here
Niagara Region marks opening of innovative new long-term care home with official ribbon cutting ceremony
July 4, 2025
Today, Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries and Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake MPP Wayne Gates, Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley, and Mayor of Fort Erie Wayne Redekop celebrated the opening of the Gilmore Lodge Long-Term Care Home and Community Hub with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location at 60 King Street in Fort Erie.
The new Gilmore Lodge represents a significant $86-million investment, made possible through collaboration and funding from three levels of government, including a notable overall contribution of $35 million from the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care. This transformative project underscores a shared commitment to ensuring high-quality, modern long-term care for residents in Niagara.
“Congratulations to the entire team at Gilmore Lodge on their grand opening. Our government is working hard to improve long-term care and protect the Ontarians living in them,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today marks a significant milestone for Fort Erie and the Niagara Region, as the construction of Gilmore Lodge is now complete and 160 residents have a brand-new, modern place to call home.”
The new Gilmore Lodge was redeveloped in response to Niagara’s aging population and the growing demand for long-term care services. The former Gilmore Lodge Long-Term Care Home in Fort Erie and Upper Canada Lodge Long-Term Care Home in Niagara-on-the-Lake were identified by the Ministry of Long-Term Care as needing redevelopment to meet modern structural and safety standards, with both sites combining into one facility as part of the vision for the new home. Construction began in November 2021 and was completed in August 2024.
"The number of people in Niagara who will require long-term care is expected to rise over the next decade," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. "Today's ribbon cutting ceremony at Gilmore Lodge in Fort Erie ensures our region will have more safe and modern spaces ready for them."
The three-storey, 160-bed long-term care home features “neighbourhoods” that provide smaller, home-like environments for residents, along with a co-located Gilmore Community Hub. The hub includes adult day programs, a fitness space, meeting areas and shared amenities, such as a café and hair salon, open to both residents and seniors in the community.
“This state-of-the-art facility is a critical piece of Regional infrastructure that demonstrates our commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to Niagara’s seniors,” said Regional Chair Jim Bradley. “Gilmore Lodge is not only a home; it is also a community space that will support our region’s growing population for decades to come.”
“Gilmore Lodge is a place of care, comfort and connection,” added Mayor of Fort Erie Wayne Redekop. “It will serve Fort Erie residents for generations to come, and I am proud of the role our community played in bringing this vision to life.”
The new home was designed with extensive input from residents, families, staff and community partners. It incorporates the latest best practices in long-term care design and is currently pursuing WELL Silver certification under the WELL Building Standard, which is a global benchmark for health and well-being in the built environment.
The home began welcoming its first residents in December 2024 and represents a step forward in enhancing long-term care services for Niagara Region.
Images
Gilmore Lodge Long-Term Care Home in Fort Erie was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 4, 2025. From left: Vice President of Gilmore Lodge Residents’ Council Alan Larue; Paolo Varias, Director of Senior Services; Henri Koning, Commissioner of Community Services; Mayor of Fort Erie Wayne Redekop; Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley; Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake MPP Wayne Gates; Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta; Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries and Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff; Regional Councillor Pat Chioccio; Regional Councillor Joyce Morocco; President of Gilmore Lodge Residents’ Council Helen Eggleton; and, Regional Councillor Tom Insinna.
Media contact
Janine Tessmer, APR
Senior Communications Specialist
Niagara Region
905-401-4882
janine.tessmer@niagararegion.ca
