A first-of-its-kind facility that will provide a wide array of services to people with developmental disabilities will soon break ground in Ottawa.
On April 13, the government of Ontario announced a $5.1-million grant for the Integrated Living Centre (ILC), which will be used alongside funds from Tamir, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and major private contributions, including The Azrieli Foundation, to build the new facility.
The ILC will be located on the Jewish Community Campus. It will incorporate a range of facilities and programs, including 34 residential units, a respite care program, a complex medical needs program run in collaboration with March of Dimes Canada, a seniors’ living program, as well as day programs.
Tamir, the Jewish community agency for people with developmental disabilities, will operate the ILC.
READ: CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES PARTICIPATE IN FASHION SHOW
“Tamir’s ILC will mean more living spaces, more services and more opportunities for community involvement and better co-ordination of care for people in critical need and the most vulnerable members of society,” said Mark Palmer, Tamir’s executive director.
Ottawa-area Liberal MPP Bob Chiarelli announced the funding for the ILC on behalf of Michael Coteau, the minister of community and social services.
“Tamir is an incredible organization that does outstanding work to care for and support some of our most vulnerable. I’m proud that our government is supporting them through this investment that will have a significant impact on the lives of the future Integrated Living Centre residents and their families,” Chiarelli said.
When it opens in the spring of 2020, the ILC will consist of 34 apartment units, containing 45 beds. There will be several rental units for non-disabled people, a seniors’ program to provide assisted-living services, as well as respite care places to help families caring for loved ones. The facility will also create transitional living spaces, to assist people who are improperly housed in hospitals, long-term care facilities or Ottawa Community Housing units, which will in turn free up those spaces for others.
Tamir is an incredible organization that does outstanding work to care for and support some of our most vulnerable.
– Bob Chiarelli
Because of its location on the Jewish Community Campus, the ILC will be able to take advantage of the various programs and facilities available at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre.
“We are thrilled to see this project moving forward,” said Andrea Freedman, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. “Tamir has worked tirelessly to create the ILC plan. This will make excellent use of our community infrastructure to benefit so many families and individuals. We are also delighted that there will be six housing units available for seniors, which will enhance inclusion and meet other needs in the community.”