“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.” – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley.
A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government followed by a Statement from Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates whose riding includes Fort Erie
Posted July 7th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
The new Gilmore Lodge in Fort Erie/Niagara
Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario – This past July 4th, 2025, 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 July 4th) 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.
At official opening of new Gilmore Lodge, 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.
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 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.
Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley,
“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 home began welcoming its first residents in December 2024 and represents a step forward in enhancing long-term care services for Niagara Region.
Now Here is a STATEMENT from Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates whose riding includes Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-lake –
Ribbon Cutting Marks Years of Work for Better Seniors Care
Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates
Niagara Falls – This past July 4th, MPP Wayne Gates joined community members, local leaders, and staff for the ribbon cutting of Gilmore Lodge, a project year in the making to bring modern, dignified long-term care to Niagara seniors.
“Gilmore Lodge didn’t happen overnight,” said Gates. “This project started years ago—back when the land was first bought and the plan was set in motion.
“We supported it under the last government, and we kept pushing under this one. It shows what can happen when we work together—across all levels, across all parties—to deliver for seniors and families.
“Because at the end of the day, our seniors deserve care that’s dignified, modern, and close to home.”
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