The history of Wentworth Lodge goes back to the year 1910 when Wentworth County Council approved a by-law to raise money for a House of Refuge.
This move was in recognition of the increasing number of poor and elderly persons in the community who were in need of housing.
Following the purchase of the Newitt Farm, the laying of the cornerstone took place on May 30, 1911. On August 28, 1912 the House of Refuge, which by this time had a population of 20 men and 4 women, was officially opened. Residents were expected to contribute towards the cost of the care by working on the farm which remained active.
In 1938 the name, House of Refuge, was changed to Wentworth County Home and, again in 1953, to Wentworth Lodge. By this time it was becoming increasingly apparent that the building was inadequate and that its population of 66 men and women had resulted in considerable overcrowding.
In 1959 County Council took action by appointing a special committee to assess the situation and make recommendations. This resulted in the opening of a new facility in 1961 with accommodations for 159 residents. By this time, the farm operation had been suspended and, with the increase in available social services, the lodge was able to concentrate its efforts exclusively on the care of the elderly. As the need for this had increased even more, another wing, housing 56 residents, was completed in 1971.
In 1974, the County of Wentworth was incorporated into the newly formed Region of Hamilton-Wentworth and under its auspices a renovation program was completed in November, 1989.
In 2001, the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth became part of the New City of Hamilton. With funding from the City of Hamilton and the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care, an extensive renovation program was completed in 2008.