Drumlin Hills is a seniors apartment in Bridgewater, NS. Photo: Evan Taylor
A group of concerned citizens is trying everything they can to prevent the changes being implemented by the new owners of Drumlin Hills in Bridgewater, which prior to the sale marketed itself as a supported seniors living facility.
Rosedale Investments have purchased the building and shortly after sent a letter to residents that effective December 1 they would be halting most of the senior supports previously offered.
Drumlin Hills prior to the changes offered seniors varying degrees of care depending on what they were able to, services offered included, laundry service, meal service, cleaning, access to support staff 24/7, and more all of which are set to be eliminated.
On November 3 the concerned citizens sent out a letter to media outlets explaining the latest updates, which can be read below.
An informal group of interested citizens has rallied around the residents of Drumlin Hills housing in Bridgewater. The recent sale of the property to Joseph C. Arab of Rosedale Investments resulted in tenants receiving notice that the meals, housekeeping and 24/7 on-site staff they relied on to live independently would no longer be available as of December 1st.
“If these services are withdrawn I have serious concerns about the impact on the mental and physical health of the tenants,” said Beth Wood, community member advocating on behalf of the tenants. “The landlord must not be allowed to depart from the original intent of Drumlin Hills which was to provide assistance to seniors to allow them to age in place in our community.”
The youngest of the impacted residents are in their 70’s, with two having surpassed 100 years of age. The citizens group, including members of local Canadian Baptist churches of the CBAC (Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada), reached out to Dalhousie Legal Aid Services who provided information about the Residential Tenancies process. Applications to the Director of Residential Tenancies have now been filed on behalf of a number of the residents of Drumlin Hills.
“Despite the urgency and significance of our concerns, our requests for support from provincial politicians in the areas of health, community services and long-term care have been met with indifference” said Ms. Wood. “This group renoviction of seniors cannot be allowed to take place. I am hoping Mr. Arab will understand the impact of what he is planning to do and have a change of heart. There are things in life more important than making endless amounts of money.”
Our request for comments from Rosedale Investments was not returned.
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