Dugald Place loan guarantee allows project to proceed

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This article was published 29/03/2024 (390 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The development of Dugald Place received a huge boost forward and a timeline for shovels in the ground, thanks to the RM of Springfield.

Announced in a March 21 press release, the new 54-unit assisted living facility which includes an indoor pool connected to Dugald Estates will see construction begin in fall.

That’s because the RM of Springfield agreed to approve a loan guarantee of $6.35 million toward the $28 million project.

More than 60 seniors packed council chambers at the March 19 meeting, who applauded a rare unanimous council decision, something that didn’t go unnoticed by Springfield Heritage Housing Inc. chair Lesley Thomson.

“I would like to commend council for its confidence in this project,” she said.

Thomson said this allows construction to begin this fall rather than waiting and seeing the cost increase due to inflation.

Sponsorships and donations are still being finalized.

Mayor Patrick Therrien said in the press release that this guarantee will not cost RM of Springfield taxpayers and will allow the project to proceed.

“There is a long waiting list for Dugald Place, an assisted living residence is desperately needed, and our seniors have waited long enough,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Glen Fuhl agreed saying this decision demonstrates council’s commitment to allowing seniors to remain in their community.

“My mother lived her whole life in Springfield,” he said. “She wanted to stay here but had to move away to Winnipeg when she needed assisted living. We don’t want that to happen to anyone else.”

The press release stated that Dugald Place fits many Springfield priorities, addressing a strong need for seniors housing, adding a swimming pool which is the number one requested recreation facility in the RM, and addressing environmental leadership.

Coun. Mark Miller, who’s often at odds with the majority of council said this green aspect is welcome.

“When completed, we expect Dugald Place will be the greenest seniors housing complex in Manitoba ever to be built,” he said. “It will be constructed to environmentally sustainable standards, resulting in long term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and lower utility and operating costs for years to come.”

There are 68 applicants who have put down the $1,000 deposit to be on a wait list. Dugald Estates also currently has a seniors housing co-op wait list of 100.

Springfield Heritage Housing says design is at 50 percent completion.

To learn more, go to www.dugaldplace.com.