“There is a lot of sadness, it’s a highly unique place that has been open for over thirty years. It has a unique population, a lot of the people here have spent their lives in other institutions,” says Nuernberger.

The home has long specialized in hosting residents with mental illnesses, she explains.

“These people have found Spencer House to be their true home,” she adds.

The provider that oversees Spencer House – Leisure World – didn’t desire the residence’s closure, says Nuernberger. Instead, the LTC provider wanted to expand and re-build the D-class home. In the end, neighborhood resistance to the expansion forced the company to cease its operations.

“The neighbours fought strongly,” she says. “We just felt it wasn’t necessary to continue fighting a losing cause – it became apparent that the neighbours wishes would win out. Property owners didn’t want the expansion and they were doing what they thought they had to.”

The Parkdale residence – which has 120 long term and 58 retirement beds – will close later this summer. The staff are a highly committed group, says Nuernberger, and have offered to remain on site until everything has been completed.

Donald Squire, administrator, has declared “I’ll be the last one out to turn off the lights,” says Nuernberger.

Of prevailing importance is placing current residents in appropriate residences, she says.

“We’ll be looking to define it – ‘what’s home to you?’ A lot of residents will be looking to stay local. We’ll go case by case and choice by choice. The top priority is free choice.”