Our History

In 1989, Tayside Community Residential & Support Options formed in response to the closing of Ellenvale Nursing Home. A group of people in the community recognized a need to provide quality service to individuals with developmental disabilities.

A board of directors was formed and an executive director was hired. The first home was rented in June 1989 on the Christie Lake Road.

Brady houseIn 1991, Tayside built its first home on South Street, named Brady House after the Brady family. The individuals and staff moved into the house in late 1991. The office staff and executive director moved to a rented space in the Johnson-Cross Accounting building on Foster Street.

In November 1992, Tayside built an 18-unit townhouse complex which was designated as a rent-geared-to-income development.

In March 1993, a second home was built on Argyle Street and named Deakin House after the Deakin family.

Wilson Street DaycareThe Town of Perth asked Tayside to take over operation of the child care centre on Wilson Street East.

When the child care facility attached to St. John’s High School opened, the office moved to its present location in the child care building on Wilson Street East.

Our third home, Davidson House, opened in August 1999. This house was retrofitted to meet the needs of our clients, and was also the first Tayside home located on the outskirts of town. It was named after Donna Davidson, a strong supporter and board member since the beginning.

Rimmer houseIn April 2005, Rimmer House was completed. Tayside’s executive director, Diane Rimmer, retired in May; the house was named after her to recognize her longstanding service.

With the closing of the Rideau Regional Centre in Smiths Falls, the demand for residential care within the area increased significantly. Plans were made to create a facility specifically designed for the requirements of six residents. Cameron House was officially opened in January 2009. Named in memory of Nancy Cameron, a long-time board member and volunteer who worked diligently on fundraising, Cameron House is equipped with mechanical lifts, bathing equipment and an elevator to ensure the safety of residents and staff.

The Supported Independent Living program was created to address the needs of cameronindividuals living in the community who required assistance with daily living sills while maintaining their independence.

Child care programs expanded into the local schools, with before and after school care provided at St. John’s Elementary, The Stewart School, and Queen Elizabeth School. The Upper Canada District School Board contracted Tayside to run the Ready2Learn programs for kindergarteners at The Stewart School and Queen Elizabeth School, in preparation for all-day kindergarten which was fully implemented locally in 2014.