The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dundas Manor took place on Fri., Dec. 15 and has taken another step toward becoming more than just a dream. Well over 100 people showed up for the ceremony and many of them brought their own shovel. Everyone was welcome to join the group photo as part of the groundbreaking ceremony.  Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – It has been a long time coming, but with the groundbreaking ceremony on Fri., Dec. 15, the new Dundas Manor has taken yet another step toward becoming far more than a dream.

While approval was given to build the new Dundas Manor in 2020, most people will tell you that efforts to get to this stage have taken far longer than that (ten years, according to CEO Cholly Boland’s estimate). Those combined efforts, however, are the reason for the celebration.

Under clear, blue skies well over 100 people gathered to take part in the groundbreaking, many of them, as requested, carrying their own shovel. The cool winds, and even the huge flock of migrating snow geese flying overhead could do nothing to dispel the warmth that is generated when a community works together to accomplish something of great importance.

How fitting was it that the seating provided for both the audience and the dignitaries consisted of bales of hay draped with quilts? The “gifts of the land and the gifts from the hand” will help to make the new Dundas Manor the special place it is destined to become.

Following opening comments by CEO Cholly Boland, Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn spoke of the commitment being made to the new Dundas Manor, but also gave credit to one of those responsible for the substantial local fundraising efforts.

“Congratulations to everyone. This is a $45 million commitment by the province of Ontario followed up with $18 million in fundraising,” said MPP Quinn. “I’d be remiss not to mention Bill Smirle. I know there is a team of people that are doing the fundraising, but Bill and I have become very close since day one. I knew this was a priority project not only for Winchester, but for all of SDG and outside of SDG as well. So, congratulations. I’m excited to be here today, finally turning some dirt on Dundas Manor. Thank you.”

Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry MP Eric Duncan commented on how government and community had worked together in creating something that was more than bricks and mortar.

“I think the important thing, as I just wrap up and say there’s many important projects that government and community come together on to make happen,” said MP Duncan. “This is not a building. This is not a facility. This is a home; this will be a home for many people for years to come. The staff in this new location are second to none and are going to be a wonderful benefit not just to North Dundas, but to our entire region. I want to thank everybody that worked for years and years and years to make this happen.”

In his last official duty as SDG Warden, North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser spoke of the people for which the new Dundas Manor was being built.

“As we embark on this journey, let us carry the spirit of community empathy and collaboration forward,” said Warden Fraser. “The new Dundas Manor will not be just a facility; it will be a reflection of our shared values. But more importantly, it will demonstrate the respect we hold for those that built our community. For those who have raised us, taught us, guided us, and made us who we are. Thank you to everyone who’s contributed and supported the effort needed to get us to this point. Your believing that a new building will be built, and your commitment to making the dream of a new Dundas Manor a reality, speaks to who we are as a community.”

Bruce Miller, speaking on behalf of the hospital board and the WDMH Foundation, gave thanks to the many groups and people who were instrumental in the fundraising effort.

“We are grateful to every individual group and organization that made a commitment to improve the long-term care facility in our region,” said Miller. “Together, we are ensuring the families will have a wonderful new home. It’s all part of the circle of compassionate care in our community.”

Speaking on behalf of the resident leadership council, Joan Dunlop, accompanied by administrator Susan Flaherty explained how much she is looking forward to the new Dundas Manor.

“You wouldn’t know this, but I turn 90 years old next month,” said Dunlop. “I am so looking forward to this brand new home for myself and all my friends to enjoy. We are so excited about more space, more privacy, bigger rooms, better windows, and welcoming new residents at Dundas Manor. As a resident, I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this day a reality. We cannot wait to move into our new home.”

Lisa Little, chair of the board, echoed the thanks to the many volunteers whose efforts had made the day’s event possible. She also commented on the community’s identity.

“I see many of you brought your own shovels as we asked,” said Little. “No fancy shovels for us. You probably pulled them out of your sheds or your garages. And I think that sums up our community. Our community is made up of hardworking, practical, and caring people. Everyone has a part to play in the building of the new Dundas Manor. Thank you so much for your support. I’m really proud to live in such a wonderful place.”

In closing, CEO Cholly Boland deflected much of the credit that had been directed his way, preferring to recognize the efforts of those who work behind the scenes to make a project like this happen, but also those who often go unrecognized.

“One final thank you to the staff positions, to the volunteers at Dundas Manor, those magicians who through their good work and the wonderful reputation they established throughout this community, make it easy for us to go out and fundraise and support and lobby and just sing the praises of Dundas Manor because it’s so sincere, and thank you to our community.”

With that, everyone moved to the load of soil that had been deposited in the parking lot. (At this time of year, frozen ground is always a possibility). The dignitaries posed for a photo opportunity first, but anyone who wished to take part was welcome to, regardless of whether they had brought a shovel or not.

This somehow seemed fitting in a community as dedicated as this, that regardless of the tools you bring, it is the effort of each individual that makes the difference.