The executive committee for the Board of Trustees of Lonicera Hall says there is no scenario that it can responsibly continue to operate the independent living facility despite growing public pushback.
The 20-room residence announced it was closing in April due to “long-standing challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to operate Lonicera Hall in a sustainable and responsible manner.”
A statement responding to questions reiterated to The Courier that the reason for the closure is rising costs, staffing pressures, and the inability to sustain services at the independent living residence.
The Courier requested an interview, but one was not provided.
Outgoing Municipal District of St. Stephen (MDSS) Coun. Emily Rodas took to social media to allege that there was a lack of openness to municipal support.
“As a councillor with days left within my term, I am formally requesting more transparency to our citizens from the board in its entirety as to how Maria F. Ganong’s wishes are unable to continue [to] be fulfilled when support has been offered,” she wrote.
She said in her post that she spoke with the mayor and the local MLA.
“In speaking with Mayor MacEachern and Hon. Kathy Bockus at length, and community leaders who have stepped up to offer financial means, government partnerships and even board membership—I feel we deserve to know the truth as to why our seniors have to move out,” she wrote.
She said the local hospital, the Charlotte County Hospital, is at capacity for alternative level of care patients (ALC) waiting for long-term care beds.
According to Horizon Health Network (HHN), 43.2 per cent of beds are occupied by ALC patients, which are those who no longer need acute care in the hospital and are waiting for placement in a long-term care facility.
The health authority said the ALC threshold sits at 25 per cent, meaning only 25 per cent of its beds ideally should be occupied by patients waiting for placement.
The hospital’s total occupancy rate as of the end of April sits at 106.8 per cent. That number is expected to be around 95 per cent.
HHN’s dashboard also shows as of February 2026, two people were awaiting long-term care placement, but was as high as eight in January 2026.
Back in September 2025, the number waiting for placement hit 16.
“We have a major lack of seniors housing or independent living options, and I know for a fact this is why our levels of government are supportive,” she said. “It is absolutely unacceptable and I will do everything I can in my power to ensure it is saved, just as it has been by community leaders many times prior to this in the 90 years it has operated.”
A statement from the executive committee of Lonicera Hall said in response to those allegations that it stands by the information communicated to the public.
“All statements have been factual and reflect the organization’s financial and operational realities,” the statement reads.
The Courier asked Lonicera Hall when the residents would need to be out, but said residents and families have been provided written notice in accordance with provincial legislation.
Those deadlines set by the Residential Tenancies Act would depend on the terms outlined in the agreements between the tenants and Lonicera Hall.
According to its website, a full, private room with between 200 and 225 square feet and a private shower, costs between $2,675 and $2,825.
“Social Development and Housing NB are actively supporting residents in securing appropriate accommodations,” the executive committee said in response to The Courier’s questions.
The executive committee said their priority has been those who are impacted by the closure.
“The board has communicated directly with residents, families, staff, and government partners. During the wind‑down process, our priority has been those directly affected,” it said.
A petition was created by Rodas that has amassed more than 950 signatures.
“We are aware that a petition exists; however, nothing has been formally submitted to the board for consideration,” the executive committee said. “The board’s obligations are based on financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and resident safety, and these cannot be overridden by public petitions or external commentary.”
The Courier has reached out to the Department of Social Development and is awaiting a response.
