It’s full steam ahead for Cherry Blossom Village.
Construction has begun at the Blossom Group’s latest “therapeutic farm community” on Triple Bay Road in Tay Township.
Clinical director and founder Dr. Howard Bloom said they’re hoping that if everything goes according to plan, the state-of-the-art facility spread over the 49-acre site will be up and running by next spring.
“The project has started with construction beginning in mid-December," Bloom says. “We’re well on our way to completion in April, 2025.”
With the project now roughly a year from completion, Bloom says they’re relying heavily on a host of local trades and businesses to bring it to fruition.
“The mild winter enabled crews to begin work earlier than anticipated and continue work throughout the winter. Bertram Construction has responded to this with unparalleled professionalism.”
Once built, Cherry Blossom Village is expected to be home for 24 adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities and complex needs while also offering individual homes for children and adults who require specialized care.
“It’s supportive housing for people with special needs in a beautiful setting,” says Bloom, who co-founded Apple Blossom Village in Oro-Medonte a number of years ago. “It’s a beautiful landscape, awe-inspiring.”
Bloom says the project will create about 200 well-paying jobs to the community once it’s up and running.
“Those folks are going to live here,” Bloom says, noting that means there will be a need for a wide range of employment opportunities from kitchen and facility staff to clinical workers.
As well, he notes there will also be numerous spinoff revenues created for other local businesses and a greater tax base for municipalities since the workers will need a place to live.
But while the group hasn't yet heard anything from the township regarding their hope to get a break on development fees, Bloom says they’ve met with a great deal of support since opting to go ahead with the project in 2020.
“Everybody has been really supportive,” he says. “Staff and leaders at Tay Township have been wonderfully collaborative in moving this project forward.
“We are excited to bring this economic opportunity to the community and equally excited for our residents to call Tay Township home.”
Information regarding employment opportunities as well as intake and referrals can be found here.
