The council for the Town of Saint Andrews is considering how to move forward with a commitment to the Passamaquoddy Lodge on land off Bar Road slated for development of a new facility.
At a recent council meeting, councillors discussed renewing a commitment to the foundation to sell the serviced land for $1, with the foundation requesting a multi-year commitment to the land sale.
Caroline Davies said the council’s support has been a very important part of the project.
“We did ask them to consider giving us a longer time than a council would normally sit because of the time it is taking us to get a response from the government,” she said.
Davies said council’s discussion on how to move forward on the lodge speak directly to a point it continues to make to the Liberal government.
“We will have a new council in May and we can’t assume that the town will continue to support us [indefinitely] until the government decides what they’re going to do,” she said. “Council does have to move on and make decisions that affect all of Saint Andrews, not just Passamaquoddy Lodge and what our wishes are. We respect that.”
Davies said land is the only location that is suitable for the project is area serviced by the municipality, with access to the potable water and wastewater.
“Otherwise, you’re going to add up to $2 million on the cost of the new complex because you’d have to run sewer and water outside the old town limits,” Davies said.
The current lodge faces challenges, including limited wheelchair access through its doorways.
Visibility in the community for both seniors and young children was part of the approach, Davies said.
Both Coun. Darrell Weare and Coun. Kurt Gumushel heard feedback from the community on the town’s commitment to the lodge, which is why the matter was brought forward for discussion.
“I think it’s key that the town continues to offer that land at $1 and the services put in and part of the presentation to the province that says that the town is 100 per cent behind this rebuild,” Gumushel said during the meeting.
He cited both the increase in beds and the status as one of the town’s largest employers. Gumushel said he would support extending the agreement for five years.
Coun. Steve Neil said the council fully supports the Passamaquoddy Lodge, but does not want to “handcuff” the next two councils without giving them the opportunity for input.
“I didn’t see our commitment to them wavering,” Neil said.
With an election just three months away, the municipal council could see a shakeup.
The Courier requested an interview with the newly appointed Minister of Seniors Lyne Chantal Boudreau, but the department said it would not be possible.
The Department of Social Development said in a statement it is aware of the request to rebuild Passamaquoddy Lodge, and while discussions and analysis are ongoing, it would not comment on any aspect of the proposal.
Davies acknowledged frustration.
“I think, in part, because we have supplied the information they (provincial government) have requested and when they asked for more, we’ve worked to give them more,” she said. “But we’re now at a point where we cannot do any more analysis or any more revisions to our concept.”
She said the lodge cannot borrow money without the approval from the provincial government.
In November 2025, Davies gave a presentation to the community on the new lodge, asking residents to write letters of support for the lodge to the Liberal government.
“We have to assume the costs and we have to assume the risk and we’re willing to do that,” she said of the construction of the facility.
Davies said the board will not give up.
“To abandon it would mean that we’re giving up on them, and we can’t give up on them. So, we will continue to push,” she said.
In the end, the community wrote 550 letters of support to Premier Susan Holt and The Department of Social Development.
“I cannot emphasize how much the support of the Saint Andrews council has meant to our committee and to our project and I also have to say the support of the community,” she said. “I think the community support and the support of the council has been nothing short of remarkable.”
