GPL & NCAM Redevelopment Project | October 2022
Expanding Upwards
Project now 33 per cent complete
View of building looking north eastwards
The Golden Plough Lodge (GPL) and Northumberland County Archives and Museum (NCAM) Redevelopment Project has progressed well over the warm summer months. With foundations in place, and the physical structure now being erected, the 200,300 square foot facility has started to expand upwards on one of Cobourg’s highest land points.

Where are we now?
The project is now 33 per cent complete. Installation of steel columns and beams, masonry walls, and concrete floors have been completed for the second floor with workers now focusing on interior structure and walls. High atop the second floor, Lake Ontario can now be viewed looking south, and to the north, the rolling hills of Northumberland are visible as well.

“A lot of construction activity was able to progress during the summer as a result of favourable weather and full mobilization of construction crews,” commented Denise Marshall, Director of Public Works who is leading the engineering and construction partner effort for the County. “It’s exciting to see the continued upward growth of the steel structures come together for one of the largest buildings ever constructed by the County.”

The foundations and superstructure are one of the largest segments and most important phases of the construction project which is nearing completion, with the third floor, roof, and mechanical penthouse structure still to be completed.
Over the past few months, plumbing lines were installed up to the ground floor and the major ductwork in the basement was completed. Installation of mechanical equipment – such as pumps, valve assemblies, and ventilation equipment - is also ongoing in the basement.

Where are we headed next?
The project is working towards completion of the entire superstructure by the end of the year. Work will then concentrate on roof and windows to start closing in the building. Additional trades will be mobilized on site in the coming weeks to begin framing both exterior and interior walls in preparation for the start of drywalling in early 2023.

The building is situated on a sloping site to the north. Backfilling of the lower walls and foundations has been completed at the west end of the building. This fall, retaining walls will be added which will allow crews to start the overall grading of the site.

All the soil that was originally excavated at the start of the project has been stored on site and will soon be used for grading and landscaping. The effort to retain the excavated soil will help the County in its pursuit of achieving a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification for the project.

The project remains on track, based on the revised schedule, with resident occupancy in the summer of 2024.

Take a look at our recent progress
For a bird’s-eye view of construction progress in September, view our Project Update video by visiting Northumberland.ca/GPL_NCAM
aerial photo of the building under construction looking west
aerial photo of site looking north
A Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
wide open windows in the auditorium
Our commitment to quality long-term care also extends to energy conservation and the environment. The new facility will be seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Deign) certification, which is a universally recognized standard of achievement for energy efficiency and renewable product usage. 
 
When built, design elements of the new building will not only help the environment but will also add to a healthy and positive experience for the residents and staff. One example is the use of large windows that are both tall and wide, with some reaching up through multiple floors. These will help optimize daylight, energy efficiency, and resident comfort.
 
But there is more to the eye than just aesthetic beauty of the natural lighting of the interior. Letting natural light into the space rather than artificial light has been linked to a wide array of health benefits, including elevated mood, increased creativity, lower blood pressure, and reduced anxiety. This unique feature is just one of many benefits that will emerge for the benefit of the environment, residents and staff.
KEY MILESTONES
Completed - circle with checkmark
Design Development
June 2018 to October 2020
Completed - circle with checkmark
Site Plan and Tender
October to November 2020
In progress - filled in circle
Construction
December 2020 to summer 2024
Not completed - circle with no checkmark
GPL Move-In
Summer 2024
Not completed - circle with no checkmark
NCAM Move-In
October 2024
CURRENT PHASE
Foundations and Ground Floor Concrete Slab
Complete
Superstructure Steel Work
On track for completion by the end of 2022

Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC
Installation of rough-ins and lines ongoing in basement and ground floor
NEXT STEPS
Building Envelope (roof, exterior walls and windows)
Ongoing until mid-2023
Interior Wall Framing
Ongoing unit mid-2023
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