Why retire in Toronto?

Toronto is the largest city in Canada, and it is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario.  Hugging the border between Canada and the United States, it shares many of the same landmarks as the northern-most American states.  Toronto has a bustling metropolitan area and many skyscrapers and other marks of a modern-day city.  It is a hub for financial and commercial services.

Population and demographics

Undisputed is the fact that the population of Toronto has exploded, seen mostly through the 20th and 21st Century.  Standing previously at 1.3 million, 2006’s census noted that the population had increased to over 2.5 million people. In 2016, this number grew to nearly 3 million full-time residents of Toronto.  The population of Toronto is projected to grow to 8 million by the year 2030.

The city is a diverse one, often referred to as cosmopolitan.  This is because there was an influx of immigrants after WWII that led to a very culturally diverse population.  This cultural blend continues today, with many ethnic neighbourhoods within Toronto, and with many of the services of the city, including health services, translated in up to 12 languages.

Home to people of all ages, Toronto is popular for seniors mostly because of the number of amenities available.  Led by access to great health services, there is also a bustling public transport system and many senior-oriented facilities that make quality of life easy and safe for those who are transitioning in their life.  So much so that the population of seniors, currently at 16%, is predicted to grow to 19% by 2030.

Features of Toronto

There are many landmarks in Toronto.  The most famous one is the free-standing CN Tower.  Other popular ones include the Eaton Centre, Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall, the beautiful Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Royal Ontario Museum, and the Toronto-Dominion Centre.

One of the most famous landmarks is Casa Loma.  Looming over the city, it throws an archaic and beautiful traditional piece of architecture smack in the middle of firmly modern day Toronto!

Home to many green spaces, considering its focus on being a solid metropolitan space, Toronto’s biggest is High Park, which covers an impressive 400 acres.  There is a lot to do in Toronto as it is home to many festivals, events, indoor trade shows and carnivals that make it easy for residents to have an active, full and interesting lifestyle. There are many areas to explore, restaurants to try and events to participate in.

Overall, the city itself covers 632 sq km with both skyscrapers and integrated suburban neighbourhoods, each featuring different personalities to help many find their new home in a neighbourhood that appeals to their personal tastes and wants.

Historical relevance

Toronto has a long, well-documented history, dating back to its settlement in 1750 as Fort Rouille, to its establishment in 1793 as York.  It was incorporated in 1834 as Toronto, and then grew from there to be named the City of Toronto in 1998 as surrounding municipalities of Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, York and North York, were amalgamated and renames as part of the “new” City of Toronto. 

One of its most talked-about historical features is that French settlers who came to live in Toronto with other Europeans, teamed up with the First Nations people who had previously inhabited the area.  In contrast to many European settlers who were seen as destructive to the First Nations people, the French saw them as powerful allies, namely for the fur trade routes that were so valuable at the time.

165 residences found in toronto, on

Hazelton Place Retirement Residence

Located in the heart of the city in Yorkville, just north of Bloor Street, Hazelton Place is a quiet, tranquil oasis in the midst of a bustling and vibrant community. Close to the arts, shops, restaurants & the entertainment district, Hazelton Place offers full-service retirement living; providing our residents with unparalleled service, comfort and superb Chef-prepared dining, with the support of a 24-hour health care team & state-of-the-art security system. As needs change over time for our residents, so will our service. A resident may upgrade to medication assistance, laundry service or light personal assistance on an as need basis. In addition to independent living, Hazelton Place has a self-contained assisted living floor that offers care and services for those residents who have physical or cognitive frailties.
Hazelton Place is managed by VERVE/Diversicare, who has a rich history of success. Fueled by some of the most passionate people in our industry, Verve has been, and continues to be, recognized as the gold standard in retirement living. Verve has a rich history of success. We have won numerous awards for this including the Canada Award for Excellence five times in our 43 years of service.

New Horizons Tower

New Horizons Tower is a seniors community excelling in accommodation and services inspired by a foundation of love, hope and faith. One of the City's well established not-for-profit senior housing providers since 1974, we are committed to reinvesting in the community we serve to enhance and enrich the lives of seniors living in the heart of Bloordale Village. From gracious dining to new suites and lounges, residents are enjoying the new management and upgrades found at 1140 Bloor Street West.

Belmont House

Belmont House is a charitable, non-profit, Christian retirement home for seniors. Situated in one of the last remaining green spaces in the heart of downtown Toronto, Belmont House provides a wide range of programs, services, and resources for both our residents and the community.

Meighen Retirement Residence

The Meighen Retirement Residence is home to those who enjoy living in a safe and comfortable environment, centrally located, in a vibrant area of North Toronto.

Villa Pugliese Assisted Living Facility

Assisted Living residence complete with elevator, lift and ramp. Offering various levels of care and is an alternative to institutionalized living. We welcome brain injury residents. We provide comfort, supervision and assistance with daily tasks. Also offering transitional care after hospitalization or surgery. Long-term care, activities of daily living, respite care.

Forestview Retirement Residence

Forestview Retirement Residence overlooks a lush ravine green belt which provides a park-like setting to be enjoyed by residents, their friends and families. For those wanting to retire to a refreshing, natural setting, close to all the conveniences and comforts of city living, Forestview is your best choice.

With 128 suites ranging in styles from studios to 2 bedrooms and secure underground parking, this elegantly appointed retirement community offers lifestyle choices including Independent, Independent with Assistance (Full-Service) or Assisted Living, making it the ideal place for inspired senior living.

Forestview Retirement Residence is located in North York near the intersection of Finch Ave. W. and Bathurst St. and is owned and operated by Advent Health Care Corporation.

Weston Retirement Village

Opening Soon!! Weston Retirement Village is located in an amazing friendly neighbourhood in Toronto near the Humber River and Weston Road. Do not miss this unique opportunity to choose a brand new suite to call home. We will be open for occupancy in May or June 2023. Pre-Register Now! 105 newly built and freshly painted stunning Studio Suites in different sizes with brand new kitchenettes and walk-in washrooms, at affordable rates, are waiting for you at Weston Retirement Village.

Weston Retirement Village offers Independent Living and Assisted Living with comfort, privacy, every convenience and the added benefits of being part of a safe and secure community. If the needs of our residents change over time, they may upgrade to a service package with medication assistance and other essential services available within Weston Retirement Village.

Enjoy the convenience and pleasure of delicious and healthy Master Chef-prepared meals, served hot and fresh. Our vibrant retirement community at Weston Retirement Village offers a variety of activities to keep residents engaged, including music, art, movie nights, day trips and much more.

Conveniently located within walking distance to West Park Healthcare Centre, minutes to Highways 401, 400 and the Gardiner Expressway, with easy access to public transit (there is a bus stop on the corner of Weston Rd and Jane St and the nearest subway station Lawrence West). Close to parks, shops, restaurants and downtown Toronto.

Costs of retirement living in Toronto

Seniors' Housing vary in price depending on ownership, location, size, type of room, amenities, and other factors.Toronto is a large metropolis, and because of that, Seniors' Housing in Toronto will cost more than retirement communities in smaller cities or towns. CMHC’s 2020 data indicates that the average rent in Ontario for a 'seniors' residence' is just under $4,000/month. That being said, there are a few, mainly smaller independently owned homes, that will come in under that mark, and many others in a large city like Toronto, that will be above that price point.  Seniors' Housing in a large city, are on average between $4,000 and $7,000/month depending on many factors and there will always be some that are lower priced (often with fewer amenities or owned by an independent small business), and some that are higher priced (like large, corporately owned homes with many amenities/suites/staff/higher overhead or boutique-type homes located in the more exclusive areas of the city).  

The most expensive home we were able to locate in Toronto had some select suites in the range of $17,000+/month however that is not the norm, or the average and many Seniors' Housing in Toronto are well under that price point. Please note: because Toronto is such a large city since its amalgamation with nearby boroughs, when we discuss Toronto pricing in this section, we are for the most part discussing our knowledge of the central and downtown part of Toronto. We have subdivided the city of Toronto, for our purposes on this website, into 4 areas in order to give our users a clearer idea of where a home is located, and to assist those who can still visualize the old divisions. Toronto, as a whole is very large with hundreds of housing options so, we have separated, Toronto, Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York in our database and resource sections of this website. We hope this is helpful to our users and gives them a better idea of location. For information on housing in those areas, please click on the links below.

Retirement Homes in North York

Retirement Homes in Etobicoke

Retirment Homes in Scarborough

Retirement homes are governed by both the Retirement Homes Act (RHA) and the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) in Ontario. As such, the rent portion of what you pay is under 'rent control guidelines' and the related legislation for 'care homes' under the RTA. The care portion is not regulated because there no legislation governing care in a private residence. This has resulted in many homes offering two separate price schedules – one for room & board based on the room you want, some or all meals, and light housekeeping, and a separate cost for different types of care packages. 

It is our recommendation that when you are researching retirement homes, ask if there are separate charges for care services, what they are, what it covers, and if there are any unpublished costs that you may be responsible for (e.g., cable, TV, internet, activities, etc.). It is always helpful, to understand how the pricing works, that you ask when the last few increases were for care, and how much the cost was increased by each time. Knowing this information will assist you in being able to properly budget and ensure available funds for care now and in the future.

If you are interested in comparing the cost of living in retirement home with that of living in your existing property (aging in place), you can visit our cost calculator page on SeniorCareAccess.com to print off a comparison chart that you can complete when you are researching retirement homes in Toronto.

For homes in nearby areas click on the links below:

Retirement Homes in Vaughan

Retirement Homes in Markham

Retirement Homes in Richmond Hill

Retirement Homes in Brampton

Retirement Homes in Thornhill

Retirement Homes in Pickering

Retirement Homes in Oakville

Retirement Homes in Mississauga

Retirement Homes in Ajax

Retirement Homes in Stouffville

Retirement Homes in Bolton

Retirement Homes in Aurora

Retirement Homes in Keswick

Retirement Hoems in Milton 

Retirement Homes in Georgetown

YWCA Toronto - Bergamot Apartments

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Drs. Paul and John Rekai Centre

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Reconnect Community Health Services - Outlook Manor

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Good Shepherd Ministries - Barrett House

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Beech Hall Housing Co-operative

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Michael Garron Hospital - Palliative Care

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Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services - Old York Tower

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St. Clair O'Connor Community

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Suomi-Koti Toronto Nursing Home

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Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf

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Labdara Lithuanian Nursing Home

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The O'Neill Centre (Long Term Care)

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The Russell Hill Retirement Residence

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YWCA Toronto - Pape Avenue Apartments

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Main Street Terrace

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LOFT Community Services

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Kennedy Residence

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Toronto Community Housing

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Humber Valley Terrace

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Hellenic Home for the Aged - Supportive Housing

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Toronto Homeshare Program

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Access Independent Living Services

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Vermont Square

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Cota - College View Apartments

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SPRINT Senior Care - Moore Place Supportive Housing

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The Heritage Nursing Home

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Fairview Nursing Home

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West Neighbourhood House - May Robinson Apartments

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Wigwamen - Spadina Road Site - Wigwamen Terrace

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Warden Woods Community Centre - Bying Towers

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True Davidson Acres

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Villa Colombo Homes For The Aged Inc.

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WoodGreen Community Services

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SPRINT Senior Care - Janet Magee Manor Supportive Housing

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Operation Springboard

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Cedarhurst Dementia Care Home

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Princess Margaret Cancer Centre - Harold and Shirley Lederman Palliative Care Centre

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Lakeside Long Term Care Centre

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Copernicus Lodge - Senior Apartments

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Centres d'Accueil Héritage (CAH)

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Community Link House

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Carefirst Seniors and Community Services Association

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Baycrest Hospital - The Shirley and Philip Granovsky Palliative Care Unit

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Emmanuel Lutheran Manor

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Belmont House (Long-Term Care)

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Rose Of Sharon Korean Long Term Care

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Fudger House

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Toronto Rehab - Palliative/Respite Care

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Neighbourhood Group (The)Neighbourhood Link Support Services

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Tony Stacey Centre For Veterans' Care

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Sunnybrook Health Science Centre - Palliative Care

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Extendicare Rouge Valley

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Dowling Rest Home

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Good Shepherd Non Profit Homes

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SPRINT Senior Care - Montgomery Place Supportive Housing

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Mon Sheong Home For The Aged

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YWCA Toronto - 1st Stop Woodlawn Residence

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West Toronto Support Services

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Weston Terrace Care Community

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Weston Gardens Retirement Residence

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St. George Care Community

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Wexford Residence (The)

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St. Michael's Hospital - Palliative Care

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Our Saviour Thistletown Lutheran Lodge

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YOUTHLINK

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Toronto Finnish Canadian Seniors Centre - Suomi-Koti Toronto

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The Salvation Army - Broadview Village

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West Park Long Term Care Centre

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Sahil - Life Lease

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Elm Grove Living Centre inc.

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SPRINT Senior Care - Pine Villa

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Surex Community Services

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SPRINT Senior Care - George Barker Manor Supportive Housing

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St. Matthew's Bracondale House

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Reconnect Community Health Services - Roselawn Apartments

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Jean Dudley House

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Nisbet Lodge

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Copernicus Lodge - Long Term Care Home

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OWN Housing Co-operative Inc.

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Chester Village

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Casa Del Zotto

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Norwood Nursing Home

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Harmony Hills Care Community

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Portland Place

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Reconnect Community Health Services - Louise Towers

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St. Demetrius Apartments

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Wellesley Central Place

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Cecelia Murphy Building

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The Governing Council Of The Salvation Army In Canada

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Trinity Ravine Towers - Life Lease

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Reconnect Community Health Services - Eagle Manor

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ForWard 9 Co-operative

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Norm Houghton Complex - Senior Building

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Cedarvale Terrace

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Bellwoods Centres Bellwoods Park House Supportive Housing

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Fred Victor

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Ivan Franko Home (Etobicoke)

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Chartwell White Eagle Long Term Care Residence

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Lewis Garnsworthy Residence

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The Kensington Gardens

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Maynard Nursing Home

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Fife House

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Shepherd Lodge

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Old York Tower Not for Profit Seniors Housing

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YWCA Toronto - Elm Centre/Winona's Place

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Vibrant Healthcare Alliance

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Casa Abruzzo

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Bellwoods Centres

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Stanley Knowles Housing Co-operative

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Toronto Long-Term Care Homes and Services

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The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre - Palliative/Respite Care

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LOFT Community Services - St. Anne's Place

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Villa Colombo

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Christie Gardens Apartments and Care - Life Lease

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Nucleus Independent Living - Nucleus 1

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Isabel And Arthur Meighen Manor

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Suomi-Koti Finnish-Canadian Seniors Residence - Life Lease

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Canadian Helen Keller Centre - Rotary Cheshire Apartments

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Good Shepherd Ministries - St. Joseph's Residence

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PACE Independent Living

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Toronto. Shelter, Support and Housing Administration. Homelessness Initiatives and Prevention Servic

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Nucleus Independent Living - Nucleus 2

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March of Dimes Canada - Toronto - Meynell House

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LOFT Community Services - Pine Villa

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McClintock Manor

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City Park Co-operative

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Castleview Wychwood Towers

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Community Head Injury Resource Services of Toronto (CHIRS)

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Vibrant Healthcare Alliance Tobias House Attendant Care

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St. Clair O'Connor Community Nursing Home

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Bridgepoint Active Healthcare - Palliative Care

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Kensington Hospice - Palliative Care

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Reconnect Community Health Services - Doug Saunders

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Casey House - Palliative/Respite Care

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Winona Housing Co-operative

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Shepherd Village

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Fountain View Care Community

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Harold And Grace Baker Centre (Long Term Care)

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Caboto Terrace

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Bradgate Arms

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The Dunfield Retirement Residence

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Bill McMurray Residence

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Queens Estate

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Chartwell Avondale Retirement Residence

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The Claremont

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Leaside Retirement Residence

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Ewart Angus SPRINT Home

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The Sumach by Chartwell

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One Kenton Place

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Chartwell Grenadier Retirement Residence

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Amica on the Avenue

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