Much needed long-term care home coming to West Don Lands

Artist's rendering of future long term health care facility in West Don Lands. A rooftop surrounded by greenery and flowers with skyline in the background as elderly people soak in the sunlight.

PUBLISHED: JANUARY 23, 2025

 

In This Blog: 

 

  • On January 23  Waterfront Toronto joined the Rekai Centre, Building Ontario Fund, Ministry of Long Term Care, George Brown College, and Life Labs to announce on a new long term care home in the West Don Lands. 

  • The Rekai Centre at Cherry Place, Campus of Care will include 348 long-term care beds and wraparound services to support a holistic health journey, creating a “campus of care.” 

  • Rekai Centre at Cherry Place, Campus of Care is an integral part of Waterfront Toronto’s vision for a complete community in the West Don Lands. 

  • Construction is anticipated to begin in February 2025. 

 

A new long-term care home, called the Rekai Centre at Cherry Place, Campus of Care, is coming to the West Don Lands. On January 23 Waterfront Toronto joined the Rekai Centre, Building Ontario Fund, Ministry of Long Term Care, George Brown, and Life Labs to announce a long term care home in the West Don Lands, which will offer 348 beds for seniors and wrap-around services. The 13-floor long term care home will be at the intersection of Front Street East and Cherry Street, across the street from the the Cooper Koo Family YMCA and Anishnawbe Health Toronto's purpose built health care facility, creating a trio of essential community amenities dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.       

 

Rekai Centre at Cherry Place, Campus of Care is an integral part of Waterfront Toronto’s vision for a complete community in the West Don Lands. Working together with our government partners, private developers, and community members we have transformed 32 hectares (80 acres) of former industrial lands in the West Don Lands into a complete community with housing for people of all ages, income levels and abilities, award-winning parks, transit connections, and retail and community amenities. Waterfront Toronto worked closely and steadfastly with the Rekai Centres and our government partners to make this new facility a reality.  

 

Creating a Campus of Care 

 

Rekai Centre at Cherry Place, Campus of Care will be the third long-term care home operated in downtown Toronto by Rekai Centres, a non-profit charitable organization. The new home will provide 348 beds for seniors, addressing the urgent need for long-term care beds. Provincial data shows that the number of Ontarians over the age of 80 will increase fourfold by 2043. Rekai is addressing this urgent and growing need.

 

Alongside innovative supports for clients, including a Rainbow Wing and floors devoted to the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s/Dementia, the Rekai Centre at Cherry Place, Campus of Care will offer much needed wrap-around services to support a holistic health journey, including a Seniors Assessment Centre and privately-run Lab, a 7,510 sq ft Dialysis Centre, and a Rekai Centre for Education.

 

Artist's rendering of Rekai Centres, Campus of Care. Elderly people relaxing indoors in a well light hall by a large glass window.

The Rekai Centre at Cherry Place, Campus of Care will provide 348 beds for seniors and wrap-around services. Image credit: Montgomery Sisam Architects. 

 

The centre will also offer: 

 

  • Infection Control Zone with 3 resident rooms offering full oxygen. 

  • Resident amenities like a Walkout Terrace and a Town Hall Chapel. 

The Rekai Centre at Cherry Place, Campus of Care will offer green roofs and outdoor terraces off each dining area. Solar panels are being planned for future installation. The rooftop gardens will include trikes, sandboxes and an area for grandchildren to play with their grandparents.

 

Artist's rendering of an evening at the future Campus of Care at Rekai Centres. People walking around outside the building at twilight.

The 13-storey building will have four active facades. The main pick-up and drop-off area is on the development’s west side to avoid causing traffic congestion on Cherry. Image credit: Montgomery Sisam Architects. 

 

Next Steps 

 

Construction is anticipated to begin in February 2025 and last for approximately two and a half years. Timelines are preliminary and are subject to change.  

 

Stay tuned for further updates on the Rekai Centres, Campus of Care, website. 

 

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