September 30, 2023

St. Joseph’s Housing Corporation Inc. Guelph has opened a new seniors community providing affordable housing in a neighbourhood setting designed for seniors to feel safe, comfortable, and independent.

The official opening of the Silver Maple Seniors Community was held on Friday, September 29, 2023, hosted by St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph (SJHCG), as part of its 2023 Community Event.

“This amazing housing development adds 115 new inclusive, vibrant, and affordable housing units for seniors in Guelph-Wellington,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie, City of Guelph. “This is precisely the type of housing our community needs to ensure people can age in place close to their families, friends and amenities.”

“Today marks an exciting and important milestone for the SJHCG community and partners in realizing the vision of creating a campus of care to support clients and residents to age in place. We look forward to continuing to advance this important work in collaboration with partners from across St. Joseph’s Health System and beyond,” said Elizabeth Buller, President, and CEO of the St. Joseph’s Health System.

“This community will work to support the accessibility needs of seniors while creating a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment for all. It is imperative that we work together to provide affordable housing for people at every stage in their life, and I would like to thank St. Joseph’s for lending this support to our seniors community here in Guelph. Congratulations!”, said Mike Shreiner, Member of Provincial Parliament for Guelph, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario.

“Congratulations to the Board and staff of SJHCG on the expansion of your campus of care.  The Silver Maple Project adds much needed senior residences to our community within an environment that provides continued support for those who have given so much to our families and community,” said Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph.

The mixed-income rental units are designed with the accessibility needs of seniors in mind. Exterior routes through the parking lot, parkette and the greater development, have been designed using Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) standards and Ontario Building Code requirements for accessibility of public space.

Efficiency in energy consumption and sustainable practices have also been incorporated into the building design and throughout the construction of the project. These include:

  • Universal design
  • Scooter room
  • Barrier-free units & appliances
  • Low-threshold & roll-in showers
  • Indoor & outdoor parking
  • Keyless fob entry system
  • 24 hours security system
  • Relaxing green space
  • Guelph Transit stops directly in front of St. Joseph’s Health Centre (Route 3)

“Across Ontario and in Wellington-Guelph, the need for affordable, appropriate housing has never been greater,” said County of Wellington Warden, Andy Lennox. “We must continue to work together to strengthen our efforts to ensure that everyone in Wellington County and Guelph has a safe and affordable place to call home.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Silver Maple Seniors Community or would like to apply for an apartment or townhome, please visit www.sjhcg.ca/seniors-housing/silver-maple-townhomes.