Second phase renovation of the old Oaks Inn in Wallaceburg could start in the spring. The facility is now the Oaks Retirement Village operated by Seasons Retirement Communities.
Communications Manager Amanda White says the second phase would add about another 50 suites to the 61 already completed. White says the retirement home has a staff of 20 people currently.
"We had our first residents move in in November. We've had different families come in, people are visiting, it's just been a tremendous response from the community," says White adding the second phase would also bring more jobs as well as more rooms. "As our resident population grows so does our staffing compliment and as we add the second phase more jobs will be made available."
Family Lending.ca, of Chatham, is behind the $20-million dollar project. CEO Robb Nelson brought local investors together and acted as project manager.
"What was once an empty property with no tax base has been redeveloped into a first-class seniors residence that will enrich the community in many ways," says Nelson. "Family Lending.ca was proud to be behind the development of this successful project."