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History of Boyne Lodge Campus Charity
The Beginning: A Community Vision
In 1967, after a vigorous campaign by community activists, members of the Carman Young Citizens Group, and with support from the Town of Carman, R.M. of Dufferin, and several surrounding municipalities, a 70-bed combination hostel and personal care home was built in Carman, named the Boyne Lodge.
Leadership and Incorporation
The original leadership team included:
Margaret Burnett, John Smith, Marjorie Shaw, Jim Kitching, and Norm King.
They were later joined by:
Lyle McCutcheon, Robert McKenzie, James Nisbet, and Allan Sprott.
Together, they formed the Boyne Valley Hostel Corporation, which provided the necessary governance structure for the project.
Independent Operations
& Shifting Needs
The Lodge was a locally operated facility, with all hiring and care managed by an Administrator, who reported to the Board of Directors of the Boyne Valley Hostel Corporation.
As care needs evolved—most residents requiring Level 3 and 4 care - so too did funding demands. By the late 1990s, the provincial government assumed ownership and care responsibilities for hospitals and personal care homes across Manitoba.
Becoming a Registered Charity
In 1998, as operational oversight was no longer required, the organization reincorporated as Boyne Valley Hostel Corporation (1998) Ltd., with a charitable mission to promote non-profit quality care for elderly people.
Directors listed on the May 12, 1998 registration included:
Herman Voth, Katherine Claggett, Bill Tjaden, Bob Gyoerick, and John E. Allison.
Independent Operations & Shifting Needs
The Lodge was a locally operated facility, with all hiring and care managed by an Administrator, who reported to the Board of Directors of the Boyne Valley Hostel Corporation.
As care needs evolved—most residents requiring Level 3 and 4 care - so too did funding demands. By the late 1990s, the provincial government assumed ownership and care responsibilities for hospitals and personal care homes across Manitoba.
Project Support and
Birth of Boyne Park
Over the years, the organization raised funds for numerous resident-focused projects at Boyne Lodge and Boyne Towers. One of the most notable was the creation of Boyne Park in 2011, a tranquil outdoor space with paved walkways, a stone fountain, and mature trees, overlooking the Carman Golf Course. This project was made possible by generous donors and the Friends of Boyne Park.
A New Lodge:
Community Mobilization in 2012
In 2012, Mayor Bob Mitchell and Reeve Shawn McCutcheon called a public meeting to explore replacing the aging Boyne Lodge.
Following years of planning with Southern Health-Santé Sud and Manitoba Health, and with support from the R.M.s of Thompson, Roland, and Grey, a new non-profit organization, Boyne Care Holdings, was established to oversee a complete campus revitalization—including a new Lodge and renovations to the original structure.
Fundraising & Capital Campaign
Because Boyne Care Holdings was not a registered charity, Boyne Valley Hostel Corporation stepped in to manage donations and issue tax receipts.
The result? A capital campaign that raised over $4 million from individuals and businesses throughout the region.
The New Boyne Lodge:
Opened in August 2021
The new facility opened in August 2021, and while donations continued to support the capital campaign, the organization returned its focus to funding projects not covered by government, enriching the lives of residents at Boyne Lodge and Boyne Towers.
A New Lodge:
Community Mobilization in 2012
Since its inception in 1963, the organization has supported countless initiatives and has adapted to serve changing needs.
By 2023, the term “hostel” had become outdated and caused confusion in the community. To reflect its evolving role, the organization’s name was officially changed to Boyne Lodge Campus Charity Inc. in October 2023.
The word “Campus” now reflects its broad mandate—supporting not just Boyne Lodge, but also Boyne Towers and future assisted living facilities.
Today and Tomorrow
Funded solely by community donations, Boyne Lodge Campus Charity Inc. remains dedicated to enhancing the lives of those living in Boyne Lodge and Boyne Towers. Through volunteerism, fundraising, and advocacy, the charity ensures that extras not funded by government are still possible—from flowers and games to gardens and gathering spaces.
