Cedarcrest Manor
Turning Affordable Living into a Community Experience

Lou Gizzarelli, Board Chair and President

Community is more than where people live; it’s what they create together. This is a core principle at Cedarcrest Manor in Markham, Ontario.

A nonprofit housing provider, Cedarcrest Manor offers affordable, independent living for seniors in a pet-friendly, non-smoking environment where residents, staff, government and local organizations contribute to the community’s well-being.

Residents do not simply benefit from the organization’s facilities—which includes an attached bustling seniors activity centre—they actively participate in their community. Residents also have direct representation on Cedarcrest Manor’s board of directors, blending internal experience and external expertise.

A keen residents’ social committee works with staff and resident volunteers to organize regular activities such as karaoke, bingo, coffee time, bake sales, and even hair cutting services. They also host holiday and cultural celebrations, and food drives in support of the local food bank. Community organizations hold exercise classes, social programs and medical clinics at the property. This shared involvement creates the pride, participation and sense of connection that sets it apart from a typical housing provider.

“There’s an incredibly strong sense of belonging that pervades all stakeholders involved at Cedarcrest Manor,” says Executive Director Giovanni Cerisano. “It encourages residents to participate, volunteer and take pride in their community.”

Shared spaces give residents diverse opportunities to socialize and pursue individual interests. The community room, library/games/TV room, BBQ area, gazebo and nearby nature preserve offer distinct settings for private gatherings, friendly conversation or simply relaxing. Garden plots are allocated annually by lottery due to high demand. And the community is backed by daily support. Cerisano and his property administrator are on-site five days a week, while a live-in superintendent provides around-the-clock maintenance and emergency repairs.

Affordability without Compromise

A common social housing affordability benchmark is 80 percent of the local average market rent. Through prudent financial management, Cedarcrest Manor has maintained rents in the high-60s to low-70s percentage range. Safety is the Board’s first consideration, followed by functionality and aesthetics. These drive how the property is managed – from maintaining building systems to assessing and mitigating risk.

With a goal of improving well-being and accessibility, windows, HVAC, boilers, balconies, roofing, lighting and parking infrastructure have been upgraded. A recently completed elevator modernization has improved emergency response and evacuation for residents with mobility challenges. Automatic, secure fob-operated entrance and apartment unit doors further support independent living.

Maintaining the property to this standard while keeping housing affordable has also distinguished Cedarcrest Manor from its peers. York Region, its Service Manager, regards it as a model and benchmark for affordable housing for seniors.

Investing in Long-Term Independence

Cedarcrest views long-term stewardship as part of its responsibility to residents. Vacated units are renewed with up-to-date finishes, appliances, ventilation and lighting, rather than simply cleaned and prepared for the next occupant. Accessible units receive particular attention to ensure they meet or exceed the latest AODA standards.

In-house design and construction expertise helps Cerisano’s team make practical, cost-conscious decisions without compromises. His next project will improve the property’s extensive walkways to enhance accessibility and safety.

Behind these improvements, “the Board and management continue developing a long-term financial strategy to safeguard Cedarcrest’s affordable housing future,” explains Lou Gizzarelli, President & Board Chair.

Cedarcrest Manor is sustaining far more than affordable housing. Resident engagement and participation, responsive management and continued investment in the property will help maintain affordability, residents’ independence and a strong sense of community for years to come.