YWCA Elm Centre (87 Elm St.,17s)
Housing project gets $5M
YWCA 'thrilled' with donation from estates of Thomson, sister for new women's complex
Jan 21, 2009 04:30 AM
Dale Anne Freed
STAFF REPORTER
MICHAEL STUPARYK/TORONTO STAR
It's a story of riches to rags.
The historic site of the House of Industry, the city's former poorhouse, will keep its façade but get a new lift in an $80 million affordable housing project, thanks in part to a $5 million gift from late billionaire businessman Ken Thomson and his sister, Audrey Campbell.
The donation was given from their estates to honour the memory of their sister, Irma Brydson, who predeceased them in 1966.
"According to our research it's believed to be the largest gift to a social service organization in Canada," said Heather McGregor, CEO of the YWCA. "We're completely thrilled."
"Philanthropy has an important role in addressing the root causes of poverty and homelessness and needs to be a top priority, especially in tough economic times," Sherry Brydson, the daughter of Irma Brydson, said in a press release.
As a child of the Depression, Irma had compassion for those less fortunate, as she saw her mother giving food to the poor who would come to their family home.
During their lives, Ken Thomson and Audrey Campbell wanted "to do something to honour their sister Irma Brydson," McGregor said.
They had discussed the matter with Sherry Brydson
"Sherry is a friend of the YWCA," McGregor said. "She was aware of our project and she brought the project forward to the family."
Not only was Irma Brydson born "a stone's throw away," from the site, but the Elmwood Spa, which Sherry began, was originally built by the YWCA in 1890, McGregor said.
"Sherry has always been supportive to the YWCA ... she has been a pioneer in the Elm St. business community."
The main, 17-storey tower at 87 Elm St. – to be named Irma Brydson Place – will have 300 units of affordable and supportive housing. The complex, to be known as the YWCA Elm Centre, will occupy a city block bordered by Elm, Elizabeth, Edward and Chestnut Sts., a block north of Dundas St., between Bay St. and University Ave.
The site is slated to include three buildings with 150 affordable units for women and women with children; 100 units for women "with serious mental health issues," and 50 units for aboriginal families.
Construction is estimated to take two years, McGregor said.
The YWCA will partner with Wigwamen Inc., which helps develop affordable housing for the aboriginal community, and the Jean Tweed Centre, which works with women's addictions.
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