Entrepreneur Gives Andrew Lodge a New Lease on Life

Entrepreneur Gives Andrew Lodge a New Lease on Life

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Entrepreneur Sandy Dunn was looking for an investment property online when he landed on a listing for Andrew Lodge.

The senior citizens assisted living facility had been closed since 2018, but Dunn thought it would be a great investment and jumped at the chance to purchase the 15,000 square foot facility that was previously operated by the Lamont County Housing Foundation and owned by Alberta Seniors Housing.

The announcement to close the facility came on August 10 2018. Foundation Chair Bill Skinner said it was not an easy decision, but the board had not been successful in trying to turn around the financial situation of the lodge for a couple of years. At the time there were only eight residents living in the 24 unit facility.

Owner Sandy Dunn outside the lodge.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Dunn saw the potential and purchased the former lodge in September of 2020. Now, he is ready to welcome new seniors to the facility. He has been busy in recent months painting, installing LED lighting and getting the equipment back up and running.

Dunn said there are 28 rooms, four of which are self-contained units, which are available for rent. Several weeks he put up a vacancy sign offering “immediate occupancy” for lodge accommodation on the four and a half acre property which has already generated quite an interest.

He said there are many advantages to rural living and knows of people who could benefit from residing in the lodge that is for people 55 plus. “I want to build a community here,” said Dunn.

Crew installing a new pool table.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Part of his vision is to offer meals and activities for everyone in the community to partake in. There is a fitness area, pool table, computers, and plenty of outdoor space for recreational activities. Computer literacy, games and movie nights, gardening are just a few of the things he’d like to be able to offer.

He’s taking a holistic approach so people can benefit physically, mentally and emotionally. Dunn said he previously owned a fitness centre and holds degrees in counselling and agriculture and food science. The combination of education, expertise and experience will be invaluable as he embarks on this new chapter of his life, and the lives of other people who decide to call Andrew Lodge home.