May
2005
Senior Link plans environmentally-
friendly seniors’ residence on Danforth
by Andrew Francis
Neighbourhood Link/Senior Link is constructing a new 25-unit residence for seniors at Danforth Avenue and Dawes Road that is expected to feature some remarkable innovations aimed at higher energy efficiency and reduced fossil fuel consumption.
Senior Link has partnered with Mondial Energy to install thermal solar collectors on the roof of the new building, thereby reducing the demand on gas boilers to heat water.
“It’s our hope that this building will be a model of efficiency and set an example so that other buildings may follow our lead,” said Gerrie Burnett, Senior Link’s housing development manager.
Mondial will retain ownership of the solar panels while providing the Senior Link building with water heating at a long-term fixed price. “We have a customer-provider relationship with Senior Link. We put on the solar panels, and we sell them thermal energy at a price that can’t be matched from any other source,” said Alex Winch of Mondial Energy.
In 2004, Winch won an international prize – the Bremen Partnership Award – in recognition of his environmental innovations integrating renewable energy into his local business – Beach Solar Laundromat – while also employing new immigrants in the area. Neighbourhood Link/Senior Link was an active partner in the venture by training, hiring and paying immigrants to work at the laundromat’s Wash and Fold service. Burnett said the experience provided newcomers to Canada with confidence in English and business skills, helping them to make a smoother transition into the community.
As part of the Bremen Partnership Award, Winch received a prize of 20,000 Euros – approximately $30,000 Canadian – to further his environmental work. Winch said he is currently in negotiations to install solar panels on apartments, condominiums, car washes and factories.
Winch expects to install his solar panels on the Senior Link residence at Danforth and Dawes late next spring, once construction of the building has been completed. The residence will also feature energy saving appliances, a roof garden to increase insulation and release oxygen into the air, and a courtyard with trees and plantings. “I think it’s important to make the environment as esthetically pleasing as possible for our seniors,” said Burnett.
The residents of the new building will be independent seniors who do not require 24-hour care. However, Judith Leon, executive director of Senior Link, said that a high level of services will be provided. “Because it is a Senior Link building, we will drive people to doctor’s appointments or the bank,” she said. However, many shops and access to public transportation are conveniently located nearby.
Emergency care will be available for residents should medical conditions develop and recreational programs will be organized to help seniors remain socially active. Burnett said that because the building is relatively small with only 25 units, many programs will be customized to suit individual tenants.
Neighbourhood/Senior Link was founded in 1975 and actively promotes the independence and dignity of individuals within the community. It is a field leader in the provision of support services to vulnerable people and a registered non-profit organization with a housing portfolio of approximately 300 units.
Senior Link is looking to the community for donations of art or funds
for landscaping and beautification at the new residence. Contact Gerrie
Burnett at 416- 691-7407 ext. 231, if you can help out.