Chester Village long-term care home celebrates 20 years in southwest Scarborough

By JESSICA SHACKLETON

Chester Village celebrated 20 years on Danforth Avenue last week.

The new long-term care building welcomed residents in 2006 after moving from its previous location at 717 Broadview Ave. That facility opened its doors in 1972. Chester Village is home to 203 residents at Danforth and Warden avenues.

The celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 22, featured a reception in the lobby with lots of food, a lemonade fountain, and live music. It was a chance to mingle with staff, residents, and family members.

Following the reception, there was a formal portion with an address, cake cutting and (non-alcoholic) champagne.

Those who spoke included CEO Cynthia Marinelli, Board Chair Alan Day, resident Jane, and a longtime staff member.

“As we celebrate our history, we also must look ahead to advancing our future. The future of long-term care presents both opportunities and challenges; expectations continue to evolve, technology continues to advance, and the needs of seniors continue to grow, and yet one thing will never change, and that’s our dedication to provide compassion and person-centred care to you, the residents. The foundation we have built gives us confidence as we move forward. We will continue to invest in our people, embrace innovation, and enhance the residence experience,” said Marinelli in her opening remarks.

Also part of the celebration was the reveal that the main upper lobby is to be renamed The Ted Sievenpiper Lobby, after Ted Sievenpiper who was the architect of both the original Chester Village and the new one.

“Our formula, it has been simple: staff excellence and a strong group of dedicated volunteers,” said Day. “To the board, committee members, and volunteers, together we have serviced over 4,000 residents, providing care with dignity for more than 50 years; that’s a lot of people and a lot of time.”

He went on to recognize Sievenpiper with a plaque during the dedication of the lobby.

“He was here when we opened the doors in 1972. For him, it was not just the opening of the new doors to the building; it was the doorway to a new and undiscovered world forward,” said Day. “Ted was a major driving force behind Chester Village’s move from 717 Broadview to where we are today and jumped right into the forefront with planning and designing this outstanding home for so many. As Ted continues to enjoy all of life’s many adventures, he maintains Chester Village as a direction on his compass rose.”

Chester Village boasts a low staff turnover rate and has 53 staff members who came from the former location and are still working there today.

The Sept. 22 celebrations wrapped with a group toast to two decades of the new Chester Village led by administrator Morgan Geast. “Let us move forward with renewed purpose, inspired by our history and excited for what’s ahead. Thank you to everyone who took part in our 20-year journey in our new home and also those who knew us long before that. Together we honour our past, celebrate our present, and confidently advance our future. Raise your glass as we say happy 20th anniversary, Chester Village!”  

Her words were followed by cheers, and slices of cake were served.

Chester Village is located at 3555 Danforth Ave. just west of Warden Avenue.

To learn more about Chester Village, please go online to https://www.chestervillage.ca/home