From Dream to Reality
Copernicus Lodge Forged by a Common Purpose
In the early 1970s, a visionary idea took root in Toronto’s Polish community: the creation of a seniors home where aging Poles lived surrounded by their culture and heritage. This dream would eventually become Copernicus Lodge.
Father Michael Smith, a priest known for his community work – from building St. Casimir’s Catholic Church to establishing the Polish Credit Union on Roncesvalles Avenue—led the charge. His ability to inspire others brought together a dedicated group of people of Polish descent, including Casimire (“Kazia”) Bladek, a nurse and Dr. Theadore (Ted) Ptak.
A Dream Initiated
A delegation of parishioners from Saint Casmir’s Roman Catholic Church approached Father Michael Smith about the need to build a seniors home for the growing number of aging Polish in immigrants. Father Smith shares their concerns with the Oblate community who back the idea and ask him to lead the project. After consulting with the Polish Parish community, a location in Toronto is chosen. With financing from the Oblates, Father Smith purchases a large parking lot on Roncesvalles Avenue from Loblaw’s, right in the heart of the Polish community.
The Ministry of Community and Social Services gives the project the green light but without any capital funding. A scaled down version without nursing care, known as phase one is proposed at a cost of $3.2 million financed through a mortgage and a $1.5 million. Fund raising campaign More land is needed to build the retirement home the Oblate fathers envisioned, and six houses adjoining the lot are purchased.
Copernicus Lodge registers as a charitable organization and is placed in the hands of a board composed of 30 directors. Father Smith draws upon the talents of Polish Canadian businessmen, politicians and community activists.
Making the Dream a Reality
Every Polish parish forms a fundraising committee. Founding members who would donate $5,000 each to the cause are sought. The Founders Ball is head held in October 1977 at the Constellation Hotel to kick off the campaign and secures $500,000 in pledges.
A Dream Realized
Architects Walter Bielaska and Joanna Ozdowski are hired to design Phase 1, which consists of 95 apartment units. An official groundbreaking takes place on May 8th, 1978. By the spring of 1979, the building “Dom Spokojnej Starości” is complete.
It is in the Polish character and tradition to get involved when there is a need to assist those less fortunate. This was the most ambitious project ever undertaken by Toronto Polonia. Copernicus Lodge is a monument to what can be achieved when Polonia unites and works together.
Growth is Inevitable
The increasing demands of an aging Polish population and the need for nursing care hastened plans for Phase 2. While phase one is under construction, architect Julian Trasiewicz is engaged to draw up plans for expansion to provide 133 additional units, including 53 for residential care, a Chapel and an outdoor terrace. Construction begins in October 1982 at a cost of $3.9 million and is officially opened on November 23rd, 1983.
Built for the New Millenium
The structural limitations of Phase 1 and Phase 2 no longer meet Ministry of Health design standards and the needs of our long-term care residents. Recognizing the necessity for a long-term care facility, the board and the administration formulate plans for a third phase of construction of a six story home to house 228 beds. Costing $29.1 million, $10 million needs to be privately raised. Six Celestial Ball Gala events are organized, raising $1 million towards this goal.
Construction begins in June 2002 with the demolition of six homes on Marion St. adjacent to Copernicus Lodge and is completed by the end of 2003, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Copernicus Lodge. Permission is sought and obtained from the Pope and the Vatican to name the new facility the John Paul II Care Centre for Copernicus Lodge.
