2233 Kipling Ave
Toronto, Ontario
Type: Renovation and new construction
Size: 182,900 sf
Project Cost: $102 million
Development Partners:
— City of Toronto
— Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
— Central West Local Health Integration Network
Status: Reopened in 2014 (Phase 1), 2017 (Phase 2)
Kipling Acres Long-term Care Home / Kipling Early Learning and Child Care Centre is a three-storey municipally run senior’s facility in North Etobicoke that also houses a city-operated 36-space early learning and child-care centre. Kipling Acres was originally built in 1959, renovated in 1986, and then redeveloped in two phases starting in 2011 under the Long-Term Care Home Renewal Strategy. Among others, the intention of City staff for the redevelopment was to increase awareness of the benefits of intergenerational connection and enlarge the role of the daycare within the home. The home currently has 337 residents and includes an Adult Day Program and the West Acres Seniors’ Centre, offering wellness and recreation programs for seniors in the local community.
User Interaction / Partnership Framework
The daycare was originally built with its own entrance in a separate wing in the early 1990s, a time when provincial funding promoted the construction of workplace daycares. As part of the redevelopment, a new daycare was incorporated into the main building with access through Kipling Acre’s front lobby. A courtyard that serves residents, an adult day program and a seniors community centre adjoins the Centre’s playground. Overlooking this courtyard are large windows from the lounges on upper floor so residents can watch children play. Efforts are made to integrate activities of the two groups, including opportunities for interaction in the halls during bad weather, adult day program drop ins, etc.
Cost / Funding
Capital funding for the $102 million redevelopment project came from the City of Toronto and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Risk
Construction took place in two phases. The first phase saw the construction of a new 192-long- term-care-bed building. The original Kipling Acres building was then demolished, followed by construction of the second phase, including an additional 145 long-term care beds and a 5,500-sq.-ft community hub space, which includes the Kipling Early Learning & Child Care Centre.
Unique Features
The integration of uses in this project supports intergenerational activities. Research has shown that seniors who are socially engaged have better health. Kipling Acres is one of ten City-operated long-term care homes, and one of three such homes that also include City-operated early learning and child-care centres.
