Polonia House's vision is to offer affordable housing in a culturally sensitive environment that enables dignified living for Polish elderly residents within the municipality of Ottawa.
About Us
In January 2021, five motivated volunteers came together with the goal of creating an affordable residence for Polish seniors in the Ottawa area who no longer wish to live on their own.
Our journey for viable solutions led us to embrace the Abbeyfield concept of establishing a non-profit seniors' residence. Abbeyfield Polonia House is now incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in the province of Ontario and registered as a Charitable Organization with the CRA since February 2023.
The volunteer Polonia House Board of Directors has accomplished a lot during the past few years laying down the foundation for strategic planning for fundraising, location options, and partnerships building. However, we still have a long way to go before we realize our dream of the "Life Reimagined" for Polish seniors in Ottawa — and we need more dedicated community support.
Polish-origin seniors aged 75+ in Ottawa
More likely to live alone
Seniors living in collective dwellings
Survey respondents supporting language-based care
Beds could be filled immediately from Ottawa's Polish community
Living at Abbeyfield
From the history of the Abbeyfield movement to what daily life looks like in our planned home — everything you need to know.
The first Abbeyfield House was founded in England in 1956 by retired British Major Richard Carr-Gomm, in response to the profound human loneliness he witnessed in post-World War II Europe. Major Carr-Gomm started a non-profit society caring for lonely elderly in the East End of London. "Abbeyfield" was the name of the street where the first volunteers met to establish the Abbeyfield House Society.
Since then, over 1,100 Abbeyfield Houses have formed around the world, in countries such as Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, South Africa, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada was established with the first House being built in Sidney, BC in 1985. There are currently 19 Abbeyfield Houses in Canada with additional Houses under development across the country.
The Abbeyfield concept is simple: provide an affordable family-style home for seniors within their local community, where they have a balance of privacy and companionship, security and independence.
Up to twenty seniors live in self-furnished bed-sitting rooms with a private bathroom. Residents share lunch and dinner, plus a self-serve breakfast. Housekeeping and meals are provided by a small staff.
Each House is a non-profit, registered charity. House ownership and support are undertaken by community volunteers, which keeps costs significantly lower than private retirement homes.
Abbeyfield Polonia House is planned to accommodate up to 20 retirees of Polish background. The residents will be part of a big family bonded by Polish language, culture, and traditions. The home will provide companionship for those no longer wishing to live on their own but who are physically active and wanting life on their own terms.
Residents will no longer have the worry of managing and maintaining a household. Two main meals per day will be prepared on the premises — menus selected to bring back memories of home. Breakfast will be provided buffet style. High standards of cleanliness will be maintained in all communal areas.
The House will be located close to shops and local amenities, surrounded by greenery. Each resident will have a private living area and ensuite bathroom, furnished to give the feeling of "home." There will be access to communal areas including the gardens.
Due to the voluntary management and non-profit and charitable status of Abbeyfield Polonia, monthly charges will be more reasonable than most for-profit retirement home accommodation. Most of Ontario's Abbeyfield Houses will be charging rents within the range of $2,200–$3,000 per month (depending on the house), including accommodation and meals.
As we age, the desire to return to one's roots becomes stronger. Polonia House will give residents comfort and dignity to spend their senior years with people of similar linguistic and cultural background — speaking Polish, celebrating Polish traditions, feeling truly at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about life at Abbeyfield Polonia House.
Abbeyfield Polonia House was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in the province of Ontario in April 2022 and registered as a Charitable Organization with the CRA in February 2023 (BN: 735123408RR0001). Our volunteer Board of Directors is now developing a strategic plan which includes elements of a fundraising campaign, housing options, partnerships building, etc. The focus is on identifying land on which to build Polonia House or opportunities to acquire an existing building that could be repurposed for our needs.
You need to be able to move around on your own. Assistive devices such as walkers and wheelchairs are acceptable. Personal care services will not be provided through Abbeyfield but can be accessed through community home and health care services.
Each resident will have a private bed-sitting room and ensuite bathroom. Shared spaces include dining and sitting rooms, a TV room, kitchen, laundry, and guestroom. Residents furnish their own rooms to make them feel like home.
Polonia Abbeyfield will be run by a volunteer Board of Directors. They will handle all applications, employ staff as necessary, maintain the property, and take an active interest in the well-being of residents.
Our goal is to provide accommodation both for single persons and married couples.
Generally, all residents will be responsible for looking after their own rooms and laundry but will be free to hire domestic help at their own cost. Rooms will need to be kept clean and tidy.
This will be determined by the Household residents and Board of Directors.
We are unable to provide an exact amount at this time. Generally, accommodation in an Abbeyfield Home is more affordable than other seniors' accommodation due to the voluntary management and the non-profit and charitable status of Abbeyfield Polonia House. Most of Ontario's Abbeyfield Houses will be charging rents within the range of $2,200–$3,000 per month (depending on the house), including accommodation and meals.
News & Events
Stay up to date with the latest news, community events, and Abbeyfield newsletters.
September 2024
Polonia House presented its progress during the Canadian Polish Congress (KPK Ottawa) board meeting. An outstanding invitation remains open to present to the Polish Senior Club "Ognisko."
September 2022
Board members attended the Ontario Chapter meeting in Peterborough, networking with academics from Trent University's interdisciplinary program on the Psychology of Aging.
August 2022
Hosted at St. Hyacinth Polish Parish in Ottawa. JP Melville (Abbeyfield Executive Director), Father Antoni Degutis, and Consul of Poland Natalia Kubik were in attendance.
Get Involved
The backbone of the Abbeyfield initiative is volunteer support. There are many ways to join us and support our dream of "Aging in Polish."
Polonia House, still in its planning stages, welcomes applications from enthusiastic individuals who would like to become part of our team.
There are many ways to join us and support our dream of "Aging in Polish" — from administrative support, fundraising events, community outreach, and more.
Contact us to find out more about volunteer opportunities:
✉ polonia@abbeyfield.caAbbeyfield Polonia House welcomes donations and community support to help move our project forward. With help from donors, we can establish Abbeyfield Polonia in Ottawa.
All donors will receive an official receipt for income tax purposes. Donations can be made through the Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada:
Our Journey
From the first idea to a recognized charitable organization.
January 2021
Five motivated volunteers came together with the goal of creating an affordable residence for Polish seniors in Ottawa.
November 2021
Abbeyfield Polonia House became a Provisional Member of Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada.
April 2022
Registered as Abbeyfield Polonia House Society Inc. — an Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporation.
August 2022
Hosted at St. Hyacinth Polish Parish in Ottawa with JP Melville (Abbeyfield Executive Director), Father Antoni Degutis, and Consul of Poland Natalia Kubik in attendance.
September 2022
Board members attended the Ontario Chapter meeting in Peterborough, networking with Trent University academics from the Psychology of Aging program.
February 2023
Registered as a Charitable Organization with the Canada Revenue Agency. BN: 735123408RR0001.
September 2024
Polonia House presented its progress during the Canadian Polish Congress (KPK Ottawa) board meeting. An invitation remains open to present to the Polish Senior Club "Ognisko."
December 2025
Contact established with the Ottawa/Cornwall Diocese to discuss potential opportunities.
Our Team
Our Board is composed of dedicated volunteers with diverse expertise in healthcare, senior services, community relations, and governmental affairs — well-positioned to advocate effectively for the Polish community in Ottawa.
Officers
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Directors
Director
Fundraising & Outreach
Director
Liaison & Outreach
Advisors
Advisor
Media
Advisor
Media
Governance
The bylaws of Abbeyfield Polonia House Society Inc. govern the organization's structure, policies, and operations. They ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with our mission as a registered non-profit and charitable organization.
As a registered charitable organization with the CRA, we operate in full compliance with Canadian non-profit law. All donations are eligible for official tax receipts.
Official Registration Details
Gallery
Contact
Have questions about our home? Want to become a volunteer? Or perhaps you're looking for a place for a loved one? Get in touch with us.