Fairvern is situated on quiet, residential Church Street with beautiful gardens overlooking the Muskoka River.

An old-fashioned garden party was held on the grounds with a barbecue and a variety of activities, including games and  picnic races.

 The event began at 2 p.m. with the official opening. Those gathered first heard from  Bracebridge town crier Bruce Kruger, who then handed over the ceremonies to “chief cheerleader” Barry Lockhart, Fairvern administrator.

Lockhart commended the caring and dedicated staff and welcomed past and present board members and families, staff and supporters to the event.

He recalled how a few people who saw the need for a long-term care facility were instrumental in transforming the former hospital building into Fairvern Nursing Home.

“Hopefully, we shall see the re-development and continuing growth of Fairvern to meet the community’s needs,” he said.

Sondra Reid, constituency manager for Parry Sound/Muskoka MP Tony Clement sent greetings on behalf of the health minister, who was attending a health conference in Australia.

Reid noted that seniors aged 80-plus are the fastest growing age group in Canada. She went on to recognize the contributions made by the staff and volunteers at Fairvern, especially in encouraging the residents to be actively involved in the community.

“And the community has responded (as evidenced) by the gazebo donated by the legion,” she said.

In his address,  Parry Sound/Muskoka MPP Norm Miller said he completely supported the redevelopment of Fairvern, “as soon as it is possible.”

Huntsville mayor Claude Doughty said his connection to the Fairvern building went back a very long way. “I used to have privileges at the hospital here,” the former dentist remarked.

Doughty also said that a recommendation to the District of Muskoka would help curb the smell that often emanates from the abutting sewage treatment plant.

“You have smelled it enough over the past 25 years.”

Doughty added that he also supports Fairvern’s re-development. “I will work diligently to ensure that a year from now remediation is done,” he said.

The mayor further noted that  as a former councillor there were plans for two pedestrian bridges to be erected across the Muskoka River linking Fairvern to the downtown area and the Centennial Centre.

“That was put into the last  council’s strategic plan. . . . I hope to see that happen in this term of council.”