The Suomi Koti Story

sauna

Suomi Koti of Thunder Bay Inc. was founded on September 12, 1984, to provide low cost housing accommodations exclusively for our senior population. It is a charitable organization, owned and operated by the members of Suomi Koti Incorporated.

MISSION STATEMENT
To provide quality and affordable accommodation for older adults.

VISION STATEMENT
Suomi Koti of Thunder Bay Incorporated will solicit, acquire, accept or receive gifts, grants, donations, legacies and bequests of cash or property, real or personal, and use the proceeds thereof to carry out the said mission of the Corporation.

Building Features

  • Number of Units: 60 (40-1 bedroom; 20-2 bedroom)
  • Building Type: Apartment with Elevator
  • Supportive Units: No
  • Laundry: Cashless Card System
  • Fridge & Stove: Yes
  • Assistive Devices: Elevator
  • Utilities: Included in rent
  • Parking: Yes (extra cost)

Blue Room PNG

Due to the great demand to house the aging population in the area, we signed our Project Operating Agreement with Ontario Ministry of Housing on December 24, 1986. The project consists of 40 one bedroom and 20 two bedroom apartments in a three story apartment building; fully equipped with services not found elsewhere:  sauna, exercise room, craft rooms, a library, common room with kitchen facilities and a garden area for tenants to plant vegetables and/or flowers.

In the beginning, funding was provided by both Federal (60%) and Ontario Governments (40%). Since 2001, we have been governed and funded by the local Thunder Bay District Social Services Administrative Board (City of Thunder Bay + 6 surrounding communities).

Construction started in 1986 and first tenants moved in, in April 1988. We have been in business over 20 years and have provided housing for hundreds of local residents.

We are proud to be one of the best projects in Northern Ontario, having been awarded the 2012 City of Thunder Bay Civic Beautification Award.

We have landscaped our property extensively to include a pond complete with a gazebo, an arch bridge, planted flower beds and trees around our property. Our common room is widely used by our tenants, local churches, seminars, weddings, and for other special occasions. Currently, we have 79 tenants living here. The average age is 80 years, 67% female, 63% of the tenants have a Finnish ethnic background.

All this has been made possible by the voluntary work of Suomi Koti’s Board of Directors, Ladies Auxiliary, residents and our members.

Our goal is to provide the best possible “home” to our tenants.

 

Board of Directors

Ronald Oja

Chair/Chairperson

Raija Harju

1st Vice Chair

Hannu Uurainen

2nd Vice Chair

Alvin Pelto

Secretary

Liisa Lahtinen

Vice Secretary

Ritva Restall

Treasurer

Laurie Pudas

Board Member

Tim Britton

Board Member

Gary Laine

Board Member

Key Personnel

Susan Duncan

Property Manager

Lynn Gray

Finance

Pertti Havula

Maintenance