A seven-unit group home for people with “extraordinary needs” is proposed for a vacant office building on Speedvale Avenue.
Kitchener-based Threshold Homes and Supports Inc. plans to convert 222 Speedvale Ave. E., near Delhi Street, into a congregate living situation with private bedrooms, common areas and dedicated staff space, out of which they can offer 24/7 services as residents need them.
“These are folks that require individualized support. The Extraordinary Needs program facilitates transition of individuals with mental health needs to appropriate living arrangements,” said Lisa Voll-Leggo, executive director of Threshold Homes and Supports.
“Staff supports with a multidisciplinary team really helps to keep these people well connected to their community.”
The new centre replaces another of Threshold’s group homes in the city, where the extraordinary needs program is currently offered. No change in the number of beds is planned.
“It allows us to put a lift in and be able to have a little bit better accessibility for the residents that are obviously aging and as they age, those needs change a little bit,” Voll-Leggo explained. “Also larger common areas and ability for privacy of staff offices.”
Threshold bought the Speedvale Avenue property last year, following a review of its facilities.
“It’s a wonderful property because it’s close to grocery stores, it’s very close to a transit line … the hospital and many of their (doctors) are around the area,” Voll-Leggo said of what attracted them to the property. “Banks and things like that, they’re very close.”
That site is also close to another Threshold group home, allowing for easier movement of staff, she added.
In order to prepare it for use as a group home, Voll-Leggo said the building is undergoing a number of renovations and upgrades, including new electrical and fire suppression systems, as well as new flooring and more.
“It’s pretty much being redone for the residents, to make sure it’s a nice fit for them,” she said. “We’ve had a number of contractors that are engaged with us that have stepped up to donate some of the services, which is allowing us to go with higher-quality, more efficient products.”
If all goes according to plan, Voll-Leggo hopes to be into the new facility by mid-summer.
Before the project can become a reality, a two-space reduction to the required parking is needed. That minor variance request will be heard by the city’s Committee of Adjustment on Thursday afternoon.
Zoning currently requires the building and a neighbouring property to have 42 parking spaces collectively, which they do. However, Threshold is proposing to replace two spots with outdoor amenity space for residents.
No comments submitted to the committee regarding the parking reduction request ahead of last Friday’s deadline and no one is registered as a delegate to speak about it during the Thursday committee meeting.
The property is designated low-density residential in the city’s official plan, which allows for group homes such as the one proposed.
