History

Wellesley Central Residences Inc. was founded in 2004. Its role is to oversee and manage the unique partnership model between the Wellesley Institute, Fife House and WoodGreen Community Services.  

With the closure of the Wellesley Central Hospital in 1998, Wellesley Central Health Corporation was formed (later renamed as Wellesley Institute) to develop a strategic plan, which would carry forth the legacy of the Wellesley Central Hospital. After extensive community consultation, it was determined that the site should be redeveloped to support the frail elderly and individuals living with HIV/AIDS.  

Wellesley developed an innovative model, bringing together three organizations to create the Tony Di Pede Residence, which serves the two communities in an integrated model of supportive housing. Additional information on the history of the hospital’s closure and the development of this unique partnership can be found in Survival Strategies (2006)[1] and Building a Dream: Towards a Sustainable and Evolving Housing Partnership.

For more information about Wellesley Central Residences, CLICK HERE to view or download Building a Dream (PDF). 

[1] David Goyette, Dennis William Magill, Jeff Denis, Survival Strategies: The Life, Death and Renaissance of A Canadian Teaching Hospital (Canadian Scholars’ Press, 2006)