A home for individuals in Ottawa living with developmental, physical, or psychiatric disabilities has announced its impending closure, leaving families shocked and concerned for their loved ones. A letter dated June 9, 2026, obtained by CTV News Ottawa, states “Edgewood Care Centre Limited has made the very difficult decision to cease operations and will close the facility no later than September 30, 2026.” On its website, the centre states it provides “mentally and physically challenged residents a safe supportive environment with all personal needs attended to by caring staff.” Families who spoke to CTV News Ottawa say that their family members are unable to live on their own, and that this is the best place for their specific needs. Now, they are concerned their loved ones will have nowhere else to go. Bonnie Ashford says her son received the letter last week. “It’s devastating,” she said. Her son, Grant, has lived at the facility since he was 19 years old, she said. He’s one of more than 100 residents. Now in his 50s, it’s the only care facility he’s ever known. Ashford said, with her own health challenges, she cannot provide the constant care he needs and she isn’t sure where he’ll be able to go. “Grant is just not talking a lot,” she said. “I stopped in there a couple of days ago. I can’t even get him on the phone since.” In the letter, Edgewood says, “The existing building is old and requires upgrades that under the existing program supports made its continued use as a Dom Hostel home impossible. We tried to find a purchaser that would continue to operate the facility but could not.” Kim Barriault has a brother who lives at the facility. She says she, too, cannot care for his needs, and neither can her 89-year-old mother. “They’re adults,” she says of the residents. “Men and women struggling just to live each day, but they have each other to lean on.” CTV News Ottawa reached out to Edgewood Care Centre multiple times for comment but has not heard back. In the letter, the facility says it will help residents find a new home, but Barriault says that will be difficult. “Will they be out on the streets?” she asked. “I’m just concerned. For me to lose my brother would be devastating. And for anybody to lose a child or a sibling or somebody they know is disastrous.” Ashford says she has not heard from Egdewood officials since the letter was sent. “I’m speaking because my son doesn’t have any other advocate,” she said. The letter also states that “various government departments and organizations will also be available to answer questions regarding transition and relocation to alternative housing.”
