The following news release has been issued by the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul:
Sisters announce ‘Providence Village’ concept for Motherhouse property on Princess Street
KINGSTON (May 13, 2015) – The Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul are moving forward with
plans to transform their property at 1200 Princess Street into a “village” community that includes long‐
term care and assisted living facilities.
At their recent 2015 Chapter meeting, the Sisters discussed the concept of partnering with Providence
Care to plan what the Sisters are calling “Providence Village.” Among the Sisters there was wide support
for the idea, and excitement at the potential for the Motherhouse property to become a hub of services
that meets local community needs.
Media are invited to the Providence Motherhouse today at 2:30 p.m. to speak with Sister Sandra
Shannon, General Superior, and Peter Merkley, Providence Care Board Chair, about today’s
announcement.
“We initiated a long‐term planning process last August,” said Sister Sandra Shannon, General Superior.
“That involves considering what we will do with the properties we own today, including our
Motherhouse property. We have a long‐standing relationship with Providence Care, which continues to
deliver our healthcare mission here in this region today.”
In addition to hospital and community programs, Providence Care currently operates a 243‐bed long‐
term care home called Providence Manor on Sydenham Street, downtown Kingston. Providence Manor
is also the site of the first Motherhouse belonging to the Sisters of Providence, when they established
their community after four Sisters arrived from Montreal in 1861.
“We are looking for a site to redevelop Providence Manor,” said Peter Merkley, Board Chair, Providence
Care. “The Sisters’ property at 1200 Princess Street will be an ideal location because of its proximity to
activities, transit and other community resources, and the beautiful setting. We also share the Sisters’
vision to plan for other services and assisted housing to be located on the site, establishing a place for
people to be supported – whether it is in a long‐term care home or through other services.”
Merkley said one of the first services that could be located on the Motherhouse property would be a
new Providence Manor long‐term care home, sometime in the next five to 10 years, pending
government approvals and fundraising. However, he acknowledged Providence Care still has significant
work ahead, and that identifying the potential site for the new home is very much an early milestone.
Last August, the Sisters of Providence announced publicly that they had begun a formal planning process
that will continue through the coming months and years, and which will contribute to the legacy of their
congregation.
“In our new Vision Statement that was approved by all the Sisters a few weeks ago, we articulate our
goal to work toward ‘A world where the vulnerable experience compassion, justice and peace’, said Sister
Sandra Shannon. “These first steps to establish Providence Village reflect our ongoing commitment to
meeting the needs of those people who are at times marginalized in our society.”
Media Contacts:
Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul
Louise Slobodian
Director, Communications
613‐544‐4525 x150
Louise.Slobodian@providence.ca
Providence.ca
Providence Care
Jenn Goodwin,
Director, Communications
613‐548‐5567 ext. 5668 / Mobile: 613‐329‐0829
goodwinj@providencecare.ca
