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 providing affordable housing for adults 60 and older, Cedarcrest Manor offers independent seniors living in a pet-friendly, nonsmoking environment where residents, staff, government and local organizations all contribute to the community’s well-being.

Residents are not simply recipients of what the facility provides---which includes direct access to an attached bustling seniors activity centre---they actively participate in community life, organizing activities and social events. Residents also have direct representation on Cedarcrest Manor’s board of directors, blending internal experience and external expertise.

A keen residents’ social committee works alongside staff organizing recurring activities such as karaoke, bingo, coffee time, bake sales, and even hair cutting services. They also organize annual holiday and cultural celebrations, and food drives in support of the local food bank. Numerous community organizations regularly 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 community 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 superintendent living at the property provides around-the-clock maintenance and emergency repairs.

Affordability without Compromise

Affordability remains central to that experience. 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, while prioritizing safety, security, cleanliness, functionality and comfort.

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. More recent elevator upgrades have improved emergency response and evacuation for residents with mobility challenges. Automatic, secure fob-operated entrance and individual unit doors further support independent living.

Maintaining the property to this standard while keeping housing affordable has also distinguished Cedarcrest Manor from its peers. The Regional Municipality of York, 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. When units become vacant, they 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 AODA standards.

In-house design and construction expertise helps Cerisano’s team specify quality materials and make practical, cost-conscious decisions. His next project will improve walkways around the building and adjacent seniors centre 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, Board Chair & President.

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.