New housing project aims to create a better future for deafblind individuals in Toronto
Talia Ricci | CBC News | Posted: January 3, 2025 9:00 AM | Last Updated: January 6
Specialized complex by The Canadian Helen Keller Centre set to be ready July 2025
Before Nazar Strejko moved into his specialized North York apartment home, he was living with family — but when his vision and hearing started to deteriorate, he needed more support.
Strejko is one of 16 occupants in a specialized apartment created by The Canadian Helen Keller Centre, specifically designed for deafblind individuals. It was one of the first of its kind in Ontario, and now the organization says it's broken ground on an even bigger project: a 56 unit building in Etobicoke.
The new build at 150 Eighth St. will have one, two and three-bedroom homes alongside a range of shared spaces and amenities, including a rooftop garden. The property is a partnership between the centre, the City of Toronto and the federal government through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Strejko has lived in his unit for about three decades.
"I was very excited when I heard about this place," Strejko told CBC Toronto through an intervenor. "This is not a nursing home, this is not a group home, this place is all independent."
In his unit, a vibrating couch alerts Strejko when someone is at the door, and there are also safety measures in place like bright flashing fire alarms. The building is also equipped with intervenor services to assist people who are deafblind with communication.
Jennifer Robbins, CEO of The Canadian Helen Keller Centre (CHKC), says the additional spaces are much needed.
"In the last 32 years since we opened, we've really only had about 14 vacancies; they are few and far between," explained Robbins.
The new six-storey building will also include a training centre where residents and other people who are deafblind and don't live on site can learn essential life skills.
LISTEN | Inside supportive housing for deafblind people:
"We knew it was important to get some more housing that would be helpful for the deafblind community," said Robbins.
"We know that many people who are deafblind live on fixed incomes. Really, this is to provide safe and affordable housing."
According to the CHKC, Ontario's deafblind population is nearing 250,000, with an urgent need for affordable, accessible housing.
Robbins says with an aging population, the demand for such housing will only continue to grow.
The hope, she says, is to expand the new property and build even more housing like this in the future, giving people like Strejko the opportunity to live comfortably.
"I am very happy to live here, and just to be a part of this place, my life is very happy here," said Strejko.
The new building is expected to be complete in July 2025.