The Quill Plains Centennial Lodge in Watson is about to receive a boost with its share of a $1.1 million dollar funding announcement by the provincial government. Last Tuesday’s budget identified several key long-term care facility projects throughout the province, Watson being among them. The plan for the facility in Watson is to add an additional wing which will allow upgrades to the existing building.

Watson Mayor Norma Weber greeted the news enthusiastically. Weber also serves on the board of the Quill Plains Health Care Foundation.

“We on the Quill Plains Health Care Foundation are extremely excited. We’ve been working on this for a long time. Our facility is badly in need of an upgrade. We want to get a 12 bed wing to replace our east wing which is over 50 years old and it’s very worn.”

Originally built to house residents requiring level 2 care, the wing now provides exclusively level 4 care for those with greater needs. The size of the doorways and hallways does not allow for transport of beds and creates issues with mobility for the residents and staff. The new wing will not add any additional beds; however it will bring the facility to a grade where residents are more comfortable and care is much more management, says Weber. 

Once the residents are comfortably situated in their new wing, plans are to renovate the existing east wing to expand the tub and laundry facilities. The project will also see improved air delivery throughout the complex. 

The Quill Plains Centennial Lodge contains 52 level 4 beds and a respite room for temporary stays. The 100 plus staff at the Lodge makes the complex one of the community's largest employers. The Lodge also serves around 25 rural municipalities and communities.  The hope is that the new environment will buoy the spirits of both residents and staff at the same time as it improves quality of care. 

Even with the announced provincial commitment, Weber says the Board continues to fundraise for additional items and amenities, relying on the support of Watson and its surrounding area.

“We’re hoping that the few communities that have not yet come on board with a commitment will now see it as a real benefit to the people of their community,” says Weber.

The initial phases of planning are underway and a timeline for construction will be established as that planning progresses.