11 Storey Long-Term Care Expansion Proposed in Yorkville

Belmont House, a charitable non-profit senior care provider in Toronto's Yorkville neighborhood, has proposed an 11-storey addition to its existing facility, designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects.

This expansion aims to address Ontario's growing need for long-term care (LTC) beds. The Ontario Long Term Care Home Association (OLTCA) projects that the province will need an additional 48,000 LTC beds by 2029, and Belmont House's development plans contribute to meeting this demand. The addition would introduce 168 long-term care beds and 30 assisted living units, expanding the facility's capacity and enhancing its ability to serve the community.

Located at 55 Belmont Street, Belmont House is within walking distance of Rosedale Station and sits in a dynamic urban environment, surrounded by diverse architectural styles. The area features high-density towers along Yonge and Bloor Streets, as well as lower-rise residential and commercial buildings closer to local parks like Ramsden Park. The proposal envisions a more comprehensive and modern facility to meet the evolving needs of Toronto's aging population.

Project Details

• Location: 55 Belmont Street, bordered by McMurrich Street, McAlpine Street, and Davenport Road, Toronto
• Developer: Belmont House, a non-profit senior care provider
• Architect: Montgomery Sisam Architects
• Project Scope: The project proposes an 11-storey infill addition to the existing Belmont House complex. The new addition will rise to a height of 43.50 meters.

Urban Toronto reports that the project is designed to increase the total capacity of Belmont House. Currently, the facility accommodates 140 LTC beds and 81 retirement units. The new addition will add 168 long-term care beds and 30 assisted living units, boosting the total to 308 LTC beds and 111 retirement units. This significant increase in capacity aligns with the growing need for senior care services in the area.

Design and Structure

• Total Gross Floor Area (GFA): The addition will contribute 17,500m² to the facility, bringing the overall GFA to 35,600m².
• Floor Space Index (FSI): 2.45
• Landscape Features: The expansion includes 1,816m² of landscaped open space, with special attention to safe areas for memory care residents.
• Parking and Bicycle Spaces: The facility will add 10 new surface parking spots to the existing 46. Additionally, bicycle parking will be expanded with 10 new spaces to supplement the existing five.

The ground and basement levels of the addition will provide essential spaces for both residents and staff. The basement will house service and support areas, including a staff lounge.

The ground floor will feature communal spaces such as:

 - An auditorium

 - Café/lounge

 - Kitchen

 - Laundry room

 - Offices

 - Activity rooms

 - Dining areas

The new addition will also be equipped with four elevators, providing approximately one elevator for every 47 units, ensuring ease of movement throughout the facility.

Connectivity and Transit Access

The Belmont House site is well-connected by public transit, making it easily accessible for residents, staff, and visitors. Rosedale Station is just 400 meters away, or a six-minute walk, placing it within the designated Major Transit Station Area. In addition to the nearby subway, the site is served by bus routes along Yonge and Bay Streets, ensuring convenient transportation options for all.

Surrounding Developments

The area surrounding Belmont House is a bustling hub of development activity. Several high-rise and mid-rise proposals are underway, adding to the urban density and enhancing the neighborhood's vibrancy:

• To the south: A 19-storey building is proposed at 100 Davenport Road.
• To the west: Mid-rise proposals at Avenue Road include The Webley and 110 Avenue Road at nine storeys each, with 126 Avenue Road calling for 11 storeys.
• Further east along Yonge Street: Proposals include 931 and 906 Yonge Street at 33 and 40 storeys, respectively, and 839 Yonge Street with 41- and 49-storey towers.
• To the south toward Bloor Street: 1255 Bay Street is proposed at 39 storeys, the 49-storey 50 Scollard Street is under construction, and Yonge and Scollard calls for 49 storeys. Additionally, 11 YV and 30 Scollard are proposed at 62 storeys, with The Pemberton under construction at 44 and 68 storeys.

The expansion of Belmont House represents a significant contribution to meeting Toronto's growing demand for senior care services. With the addition of 168 long-term care beds and 30 assisted living units, the facility is well-positioned to serve the needs of the elderly population in the Yorkville neighborhood. Its proximity to transit, thoughtful design by Montgomery Sisam Architects, and incorporation into the dynamic urban fabric of the area make it a standout project in Toronto's ongoing development boom.

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