Providence Commons
Honouring a 160-Year Legacy of Care and CommunityÂ
For more than 160 years, the site at 275 Sydenham Street has been a place of compassion, dignity, and support — first shaped by the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, and today carried forward by Providence Care.Â
As Providence Manor prepares to relocate to its new home within Providence Village at 1200 Princess Street in late 2027, having received Vatican approval, the Sisters intend to transfer ownership of the existing site to Providence Care so it may continue to serve the community.Â
A New Chapter: Providence Commons
Providence Care, together with Friends of Providence Commons, will begin planning the redevelopment of the site as Providence Commons — a new community-focused housing and health care space envisioned as:Â
- Mixed-use housing, including market-rate, affordable and supportive housing with a priority for vulnerable women and women-led familiesÂ
- Community spaces that foster belonging, healing, connection, learning and creativity Â
- A community asset grounded in the mission and legacy of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul and guided by not-for-profit stewardship  Â
The project reflects the Sisters’ confidence in Providence Care’s long-standing commitment to high-quality, compassionate care and our experience delivering major redevelopment projects that strengthen community wellbeing.Â
About the Friends of Providence Commons
The Friends of Providence Commons is a group of local advocates and community leaders who came together in 2019 in response to growing concerns about the shortage of affordable rental housing for low-income individuals and families in Kingston. Many members live and work in the neighbourhood surrounding the Providence Manor site and bring a long-standing connection to the community, along with experience and insight from a range of sectors and organizations. Since its formation, the Friends have helped advance a shared vision to ensure the site continues its legacy of care by addressing pressing community needs, particularly housing affordability, inclusion, and belonging. The group continues to play an active role in partnership with Providence Care, contributing community perspective, relationships, and ideas to help guide the project as planning evolves.Â
Grounded in Mission. Designed with Community.
Planning, engagement, and design work will begin in the months ahead. Early conversations will focus on listening to community partners, residents, and service organizations to help shape the future of the site. Â
FAQs
What is Providence Commons?
Providence Commons is a new community-focused housing and care initiative being advanced by Providence Care, together with the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul and the Friends of Providence Commons. It is envisioned as a mission-driven, not-for-profit model redevelopment that will offer mixed-use housing, including market-rate, affordable and supportive housing with a priority for vulnerable women and women-led families, and community spaces that promote belonging, healing, connection, learning and creativity.Â
Where will Providence Commons be located?
Providence Commons is planned for the current Providence Manor site at 275 Sydenham Street, within the boundaries of Sydenham, Bay, Montreal, and Ordnance Streets.Â
Is Providence Manor closing?
No. Providence Manor, Providence Care’s long-term care home, is not closing. The long-term care home is relocating to its new home with Providence Village at 1200 Princess Street in late 2027. The redevelopment of 275 Sydenham Street will only begin after the relocation is complete.Â
What will happen to the current building at 275 Sydenham Street?
Having received Vatican approval, the Sisters are transferring ownership of the building and property to Providence Care for redevelopment as Providence Commons. Planning and design work are at an early stage. Heritage preservation, neighbourhood character, and community priorities will inform next steps.Â
What is the timeline of the work?
Community, partner, and neighbourhood engagement will begin in 2026, well in advance of any design or development decisions. Timelines will be updated and communicated as they are made available. Providence Manor residents will continue to live at the current site, undisrupted until their move in late 2027. Â
Why is Providence Care leading this work?
The Sisters’ decision reflects confidence in Providence Care’s:Â
- Longstanding commitment to compassionate, high-quality careÂ
- Experience with major redevelopment (Providence Care Hospital, AB Smith Homestead House)Â
- Alignment with the Sisters’ mission and valuesÂ
- Strong governance and capacity to steward a project of this scale under not-for-profit principlesÂ
Providence Care was founded by the Sisters, and this step extends that legacy.Â
What was Providence Village’s role?
Providence Village previously led a comprehensive feasibility study on behalf of the Sisters to explore adaptive reuse and community service opportunities. Their role has concluded. Providence Care is now the lead contact and will carry the project forward based on the strong foundation provided by that work in partnership with the Friends of Providence Commons.Â
Is Providence Commons already designed or approved?
No. No design, building, tenant, or program decisions have been made. Providence Commons is in the earliest planning phase, and a listening-first approach will guide next steps.Â
Will the building be sold or turned over to a private developer?
No. Providence Commons is intended to remain mission-driven and community-serving, guided by not-for-profit stewardship.Â
How will neighbourhood concerns be addressed?
Neighbourhood input, including heritage considerations, traffic impacts, density, safety, and community needs, will be central to the planning process. Community, partner, and neighbourhood engagement will begin in 2026, well in advance of any design or development decisions. Providence Commons is being advanced through a listening-first, not-for-profit approach, and community priorities will help shape next steps.Â
What populations will Providence Commons serve?
Providence Commons is envisioned to offer mixed-use housing, including market-rate, affordable and supportive housing with a priority for vulnerable women and women-led families, and community spaces that promote belonging, healing, connection, learning and creativity. Specific eligibility or programs have not been determined. These decisions will be shaped collaboratively with partners and grounded in dignity, safety, equity, and belonging.Â
When will consultation begin?
Engagement with the community, neighbours and partners will begin in 2026, before any design or development decisions are made.Â
Who are the Friends of Providence Commons?
The Friends of Providence Commons is a group of local advocates and community leaders who came together in 2019 in response to growing concerns about the shortage of affordable rental housing for low-income individuals and families in Kingston. Many members live and work in the neighbourhood surrounding the Providence Manor site and bring a long-standing connection to the community, along with experience and insight from a range of sectors and organizations. Â
Since its formation, the Friends have helped advance a shared vision to ensure the site continues its legacy of care by addressing pressing community needs, particularly housing affordability, inclusion, and belonging. The group continues to play an active role in partnership with Providence Care, contributing community perspective, relationships, and ideas to help guide the project as planning evolves.Â
Who can I contact for more information?
Email info@providencecare.ca for more information.
Stay Connected
Project updates will be shared here as planning moves forward.Â
For more information, email info@providencecare.ca.Â
