Affordable, community-led care for seniors in rural PEI
CLIMATE ADAPTATION
In the rural town of O’Leary, PEI, residents came together to make sure seniors could continue living in their own community with dignity, comfort and support—and perhaps most importantly, without worrying about cost pressures. In 2017, they formed the Community Seniors Co-Operative Ltd. (CSCL) to respond to a growing need for affordable housing for older adults in the region.
With more than $1.8 million in GMF funding and strong community backing, CSCL built The Willows Community Care Residence. This 50-unit care facility offers private suites with rents geared to income, alleviating the financial burden placed on seniors and their families. During its construction, the project also delivered economic benefits to the broader community. It created many full-time jobs (55 during construction and 27 for ongoing operations) and kept investment in the region, with 90% of goods and services procured locally.
The facility offers more than just affordable housing—it is a place where seniors can stay connected, build friendships and receive 24/7 support, helping them remain part of the community they call home. It includes shared dining and common spaces, as well as a variety of on-site services designed to support daily living. In terms of social benefits, 90% of residents say their quality of life has improved.
Opened in June 2024, The Willows is one of the most energy-efficient community care residences in Atlantic Canada. Built to near net-zero standards, it features solar power generation, high-performance building materials, and advanced heating and cooling systems that have helped the facility exceed the national energy code baseline for energy efficiency by 57.3%.
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