Our History

Salus has always vigorously pursued its goal of improving the well-being of people with mental illness in our community.

With more than 45 years of experience, Salus has learned that comprehensive and integrated mental health and housing services promote an improved quality of life for individuals and enhances their participation within the community.

Timeline

1977

Ottawa Salus Corporation is formed by a dedicated group of concerned parents, social workers, and doctors in the Ottawa area.

1979

Purchase of a Shared Living Home on Cooper Street that housed 10 residents.

1984

Purchase of a Shared Living Home on Crichton Street that housed 12 residents.

1988

Opening of Fisher Avenue Rehabilitation Home that housed 20 residents and also introduced new Recreation and rehabilitation services. Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing funding acquired by Salus.

1993

Staff began working with clients not living in Salus housing.

1994

Salus joined RCMS (Regional Case Management Services).

1995

Staff relocated from houses to Salus Head Office and we began the separation of support services from housing services. Our housing services now governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act and we created the new position of Property Coordinator.

1997

Purchase of house on James Street with 3 bachelor and 1 two-bedroom units.

1999

Purchase of house on Flora Street that was converted into an apartment building.

2000

  Purchase of a 14 unit apartment building on Lebreton Street North with support from the Community Foundation of Ottawa-Carleton, and the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Homelessness Initiative.

2001

Land on Gladstone Avenue donated to Salus for $1.00 and the building of the 19 unit Millennium House begins. Occupational Therapy is added as a new service and a 10 unit building is purchased on Churchill Avenue.

2002

Millennium House Grand Opening and the purchase of two apartment buildings on Rosemount Avenue with a total of 42 one-bedroom units. Recreation & Wellness services added for Salus clients.

2003

Purchase of apartment building on Dorchester Avenue, while enhancing our Rehabilitation Programs.

2004

Opening of Larkspur Female Shared Living Home. Introduction of teaching/respite apartments to assist with transitioning to independent living.

2005

Fire destroys the Millennium House on Gladstone, leaving us to find temporary housing for 19 residents.

2006

Rebuilding of the Salus Millennium House and the completion of a 40 unit apartment building on Athlone. We move into our new Salus Head Office on Scott Street.

2007

Grove Transitional Rehabilitation Program (GTRP) opens, providing community mental health recovery and supports to the forensic mental health population.

2014

Announce plans to build a new 42 unit apartment building on Clementine Avenue.

2016

Opening of Karen’s Place on Clementine Avenue.