Delays Persist for New Roseway Manor Construction in Shelburne

Plans for a new long-term nursing home to replace the aging Roseway Manor in Shelburne are facing delays, with construction yet to commence despite an anticipated start date in spring 2025. The project, first announced on November 21, 2023, is expected to cost approximately $100 million.

The new Roseway Manor is set to be built on King Street, near the Emergency Health Services depot. During a community open house held on January 30, 2024, architectural plans for the new facility were unveiled. The design includes a two-storey building featuring seven self-contained care wings, each equipped with its own dining area, common space, activity schedule, and dedicated staff. The facility will house 112 single residential rooms, all with private bathrooms, and will feature a large community room on the main level with access to a terrace and garden area.

As of February 11, 2024, however, the site remains undeveloped. Rasmey Duff, CEO of the MacLeod Group, which operates Roseway Manor, confirmed that an approved contractor is ready to clear the site but is awaiting a final decision from the government to proceed.

In response to the delays, Kristen Rector, communications advisor for the provincial Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, emphasized the importance of the project. “We know how important it is to residents, staff, and the community of Shelburne,” she stated. Rector acknowledged that large infrastructure projects take several years to develop and complete. She highlighted the department’s commitment to ensuring that the Roseway Manor project is executed in a fiscally responsible manner that provides value for taxpayers.

Last fall, all five municipal units in Shelburne County expressed strong support for the Roseway Manor redevelopment in a letter to the provincial government. They underscored the facility’s importance, stating, “Roseway Manor is a vital long-term care facility for our region, serving residents of Shelburne Town and County.” The letter further noted that the facility’s aging infrastructure poses risks to the dignity, safety, and quality of care for vulnerable citizens, urging the government to prioritize the project.

In reply to the municipalities’ concerns, Barbara Adams, the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, confirmed that the project team has been advised to explore ways to reduce costs. Discussions are expected to commence soon, as the proposed budget for the rebuild has exceeded initial estimates.

Rector assured the community that updates on the project will be shared as soon as they become available. The anticipated timeline for groundbreaking remains in flux, contingent on the resolution of budgetary and planning discussions with the provincial government. The community of Shelburne continues to await developments on this crucial long-term care facility, which promises to enhance the quality of life for its residents.