Muslim Welfare Centre
Location
Courtice, ON
Client
Muslim Welfare Canada
Size
149,000 ft²
Project Type
Long-Term Care
The Muslim Welfare Centre Long-Term Care Home is the first building within a larger senior's care campus, addressing the urgent need for culturally sensitive care among Muslim South Asian-Canadian seniors. This 192-bed home represents the Muslim Welfare Centre of Canada's (MWC) first venture into long-term care, developed through close collaboration between Snyder and MWC to establish a resident-centered care model.
The four-storey building organizes around a 'small-home' concept that creates personalized, home-like environments for residents. Each Resident Home Area subdivides into two 16-bed home areas with separate living and activity spaces while sharing a common dining room. This model fosters community connections, allowing caregivers to develop closer relationships with residents while supporting personal autonomy, satisfaction, and wellbeing. All resident rooms are private, providing dignity and privacy while meeting best practices for Infection Prevention and Control.
Common areas on the main floor include a Multi-Purpose Hall for campus community events and culturally specific facilities including a dedicated worship area and gathering spaces for residents' families. Generous windows throughout bring natural light and outdoor views to community spaces, small-home areas, and resident rooms, supporting the well-documented wellness benefits of natural light.
Cultural Design and Community Spaces
The design integrates culturally significant elements that create familiar environments for residents. The outdoor courtyard models the classic Mughal Gardens of South Asia, featuring symmetrical water features connected by walkways that provide a nostalgic connection appreciated by residents and the broader campus community. This garden serves as both a cultural touchstone and therapeutic healing garden, where residents can experience the outdoors as part of their care while maintaining connections to their heritage.