Seniors Lodge Program
The provincial government’s Lodge Panel Review Final Report was released in July 2025. The panel made 19 recommendations across four themes: strengthening oversight for long-term sustainability; reforming the lodge funding model; improving lodge operations; and strengthening governance.
ABmunis was represented by Tina Petrow who was Chair of the Safe and Healthy Communities Committee at the time which led to two ABmunis resolutions being reflected in the final report. The need for increased capital and operational funding for Housing Management Bodies (HMBs) was reflected in the recommendation to negotiate a new equitable funding agreement between the province and municipalities, and the need for 24 hour, 7-day a week home care services in lodges was captured in the report by highlighting importance of providing home care services at lodges.
ABmunis staff met with Housing Division staff from Assisted Living and Social Services (ALSS) several times in September, after the report was published, to discuss the implementation of the panel’s recommendations. David Williams, the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Housing Division, presented the report’s findings to ABmunis’ Executive Committee on October 9, 2025.
Some key takeaways from the meeting were a commitment to engage ABmunis and its members after the municipal election on the new funding model. Also, the willingness and interest from the department to hear and understand ABmunis’ concerns. David Williams and other ALSS staff will be at ABmunis convention to present on Housing Management Bodies and the implementation of the Lodge Review panel recommendations in November.
