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Groundbreaking today brings not-for-profit community-based model of support within an intergenerational framework.

TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, Premier Doug Ford, Mayor John Tory, and the leadership of Canada's Ismaili Community broke ground on a new multigenerational community campus in Toronto. Prince Amyn Aga Khan was also present for the ceremony.

The project is a unique and comprehensive campus that will support seniors, affordable rental housing, early childhood development, and a range of other supportive access for its residents. This project builds on the legacy of community-centric social services and care facilities that reflect Toronto’s role as a leader for pluralism in the world.

The project is made possible through contributions from the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto. The 60-acre property will include 390 affordable rental homes and 122 long-term care bed licenses.

The Generations project was envisioned by the Ismaili Muslim community as a civil society-driven solution to care for the elderly. Recognizing that the bonds of family and community are essential components of aging with dignity and joy, Generations has been conceived as a multi-dimensional campus to serve the needs of its residents in a place that feels like home. The model is rooted in human dignity and compassion, guided by solid evidence that reducing social isolation by increasing social and intergenerational connections enhances well-being and protects against illness and premature death.

“The unique characteristic of Generations is its focus on a community-centric model of care. This involves extensive volunteer engagement as well as reducing isolation and loneliness through frequent interaction with individuals and families of different ages and experiences,” said Karim Thomas, Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for Canada.

“On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am pleased to celebrate the groundbreaking of this unique multigenerational campus, made possible in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Ismaili Council for Ontario. Our government is undertaking the most ambitious Long-Term Care building program in Canadian history and this project is just one more way we are delivering the quality care and access to affordable housing that seniors across Ontario deserve,” said, Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.

“It was an honour to join Prince Amyn and the Premier of Ontario to announce another new housing project in Toronto at 844 Don Mills Road that will bring 390 new affordable rental homes to our city. We know housing is a pressing issue that we are working to address in the city but we know we cannot do it alone. All three levels of government are working together to bring this project to life, and as a city we are doing our part through the Open Door program. This is a solid commitment that will help us create even more vibrant and complete communities across Toronto and to ensure that while our city continues to grow and thrive, our residents are able to access quality and affordable homes. Thank you to everyone involved in making this project possible,” said, John Tory, Mayor of Toronto.

News source: Ismaili Council for Canada Press release