Administrator Glenda LeBlanc with rendering of the new facility.
September 4, 2024
-by Rankin MacDonald
On a sunny late August Friday, the future for the care of the elderly took place in Cheticamp.
Provincial and municipal officials gathered for the sod turning for the new 72-bed Foyer Pere Fiset.
Also, many of the residents of the present Foyer Pere Fiset were on hand for the joyous occasion.
Administrator of Foyer Pere Fiset, Glenda LeBlanc, extended a heartfelt welcome to some special guests “and those who have travelled a long way to be here with us this afternoon.”
Warden Bonny MacIsaac did not attend due to illness.
But on hand were:
– Allan MacMaster, our MLA for Inverness and the Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia.
– Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Arthur LeBlanc and his lovely wife.
– CEO of the County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation, Stephen Doiron.
– CAO of the Municipality of the County of Inverness, Keith MacDonald.
– Councillor and member of the board of directors, Claude Poirier.
– Councillor Blair Phillips and Deputy Warden Catherine Gillis, who are also members of the board of directors.
– Chairman of Board, Michael Coady.
– Senator Rejean Aucoin and various other members of the Group Vision 20/20.
– Members of SLTC , Paula Langille and Jeanne Thorne.
– Members of Colliers, Luke Vaslet and Jeff Stewart.
– Members of A49, Sarah Proder.
– Members of Lindsay Construction, Howie Doiron, Jennifer Cook, and Corey Timmons.
– Leadership members of the team from the Foyer.
– Other invited guests.
“Welcome, one and all, to our sod-turning ceremony, a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of the construction of our new, state-of-the-art facility, which will house 72 residents,” said LeBlanc. “As we gather today for the official ground-breaking ceremony of Foyer Pere Fiset, let’s celebrate this significant milestone together.”
What is to be done with the old Foyer Pere Fiset, the original building erected 54 years ago, is yet to be determined.
“Today, we stand on the cusp of something truly special. The earth we stood on a few short minutes ago, holds the promise of compassion, care, and symbolizes progress, hope, and community engagement. As we turn this symbolic sod, we’re not just breaking ground, we’re sowing the seeds of a nurturing haven – a place where our elders will continue to find solace, companionship, and dignified support, for generations to come, in a place they call ‘home’,” LeBlanc added.
“Before I conclude, I’d like to express our gratitude:
– To SLTC for their major investment in new long-term care beds to better serve residents, their families and staff of Nova Scotian.
– To the team of leaders of Foyer Père Fiset who have shared their knowledge and ideas to ensure that all departments of the new facility would consist of the elements they desire and need.
– To the Colliers team who have been our project leaders from the beginning and have ensured the project is running on schedule, on budget and built within the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care’s Facility and program requirements.
– To our architects from A49 who realized our vision and have taken our dreams and literally shaped them into reality on paper. They are responsible for the layout and overall design of our new facility.
– To the visionaries of the community, including members of the Vision 20/20 group, who’ve supported us throughout this project. You helped us shape this dream into reality – a new facility, still attached to the hospital, with private rooms, that incorporate our Acadian culture, and will help us maintain the privacy and dignity of our residents. To the community that stands united in this endeavor – your support is our bedrock. Thank you.
– And now we hand it over to Lindsay Construction, who are going to materialize our dream. Piece by piece, step-by-step, with much hard work and perspiration, Lindsay Construction will bring this project to fruition.
– And most importantly to our residents, past and present, your resilience inspires us daily. You are the reason we are here today.
‘Making dreams a reality is not an overnight process, but with determination and persistence, you can turn your aspirations into a fulfilling reality. So, as we turn this sod, let it be a symbol of hope, compassion, and unwavering commitment. May this nursing home be a place where laughter echoes, where hands are held, and where hearts find solace,” she said. “May this ground breaking lead us towards a bright future, in a new building, which will create many new job opportunities in our community and serve our elders, for many, many more generations to come.”
The new Foyer will cost about $71 million.
Deputy Premier Allan MacMaster said it was a great day for the Acadian region and the Acadian spirit helped make it a reality.
“We have been long waiting for a modern home, with space and privacy for all, the guests and caregivers,” he said. “The old facility served us well with administrators such as Betty Anne Aucoin, Mona Poirier, and Glenda LeBlanc,” he said.
“The old facility didn’t have the space or safety features and the care can now continue as best it can into the future,” he added.
Councillor for the area, Claude Poirier, and a board member, said he was proud to be here on this day.
“This is an important part of the community for its residents, the jobs and the physical and emotional care of our senior population,” he said. “This is a new chapter; great news for the residents, staff, and community as a whole,” Poirier said.
CAO Keith MacDonald pointed out council is very excited about this project with three councillors on the board, Claude Poirier, Blair Phillips, and Deputy Warden Catherine Gillis.
He praised the involvement of all those on the team and the steadfastness of people like Michael Coady and the province for its financial backing and for the hard work and vision of Glenda LeBlanc and Stephen Doiron.
“It does take a village and these great people energize you to realize your dreams,” he concluded.
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