Edey family buys Malcolm Place; set to become a boarding house

Malcolm Place Retirement Residence in Kincardine has been sold and the plan is to turn it into Victoria Park Mansion.

New owner Chuck Edey of Kincardine takes possession of the property June 10 and said he intends to operate it as a short-term rental residence, not unlike a boarding house.

In a letter to the current residents, he states that he understands this change may be unsettling, as well as disheartening and uncomfortable. However, his plan is to offer residents a longer transition period or even have them stay on in a permanent manner.

If that doesn’t work for certain residents, Edey said there is opportunity for them to consider similar homes in both Lucknow and Tiverton.

“We are committed to continue to keep the home and the grounds clean and tidy as they have been, and to keep the kitchen open, providing meals to the tenants,” he states. “Granted, the service will not be that of an all-inclusive retirement home, but we will provide all furnishings, light housekeeping, and linens, with all normal amenities included, such as hydro, cable, Internet, as an all-in rental.”

Edey and his family own and operate several businesses in Kincardine, including Victoria Park Lodge, Victoria Park Manor, and Victoria Park Suites. He said they appreciate the value of heritage buildings in the community and have no intention of diminishing Malcolm Place’s historical character or appeal.

“You may be aware that we own and operate Bistecca Restaurant, Huron Stone Pizza and the Erie Belle, all in Kincardine, so we are familiar with, and committed to, the service industry,” he said.

Edey said he was approached by the owners of Malcolm Place who were struggling to keep the retirement residence open, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We saw the potential for preserving the mansion and operating under a new, more viable model,” he said. “We believe that with reasonable rent and commitment to good service, there is a formula that works. Retired, employed and local service employees need a place to live where the rent is reasonable. The mansion can be this.”

He said the building has 45 units available to rent, either weekly or monthly, and he plans to charge $225/week or $900/month for a single room, while larger rooms would cost $1,100/month, and the larger suites would be priced on a case-by-case basis.

“It is our intention to make available rooms to any current residents who would like to stay and are able to manage, given the change in living assistance that we are, unfortunately, unable to provide,” said Edey.

“The kitchen will be run by the team currently running our restaurants and available to all, as a pay-as-you-go or pre-approved charge card (like a gift certificate), able to be used at both the mansion and any of our restaurants. There will be weekly light housekeeping, linens and towels provided, games rooms will be open and all normal amenities.”

In addition, he said that the current staff members will be asked if they are interested in applying to join the team operating the new facility.

Meanwhile, Joseph Gulizia, president and chief executive officer of UniversalCare which operates Malcolm Place, said the company is inspired by the strength, resilience, and tenacity of the residents.

“We are honoured to have had the privilege to care for them and will deeply miss them,” he said. “During the next three months, we will continue to be committed to always providing exceptional care to our residents, and being completely transparent with them, their families, and our staff. Their collective well-being has, and will always be, our top priority.”

He said the decision to sell the home was a difficult one to make because Malcolm Place has a long history of providing exemplary care and services to its residents.

“For the past several years, the home was never able to fill all its 40 suites, causing major financial hardship that could no longer be sustained,” said Gulizia. “Although the owners were never actively seeking to sell the home, it was determined that it was in everyone’s best interest to do so.”

He said UniversalCare is working with the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) and following all government regulations.

“We will support all our 31 residents to find appropriate accommodation,” said Gulizia. “We are fortunate, as a community, that there are many options for them to choose from. We will be connecting our residents to other retirement homes and senior housing, co-ordinating information sessions and tours, if they so require.

“Where appropriate, we will also assist our residents by linking them to Home and Community Care (formerly known as CCAC).”

He said the staff has shown great devotion, dedication, and love for the residents. “We are grateful for their efforts and support. We will assist all our 24 employees in connecting with other employers in our community and will support them in their endeavours. We understand that due to their experience, some have already secured future employment.”

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, who was contacted by families concerned about the closure of Malcolm Place, said she will work with all parties involved to ensure viable options for those affected.

“While the Province of Ontario does not have jurisdiction over the ownership of retirement homes, like the responsibility realized with long-term care homes, I am concerned with the impact this closure will have on the community.”