The building in front of you is Manoir Saint-Thomas, an apartment building for seniors. Together with Manoir Saint-Joachim, located in downtown Edmonton, they are the only two offering French language services to seniors in Edmonton, a need long recognized as essential by the francophone community. Research has shown that as seniors age, many of them revert to using their mother tongue and therefore have an increased need for health services in their language.
Manoir Saint-Thomas, named after St. Thomas Parish, opened in 1982, next to the residence of Sisters of Jesus. Over the years, the sisters realized that their house was too big and too expensive to maintain, so they put it up for sale and the Manoir was built on the site.
The administration of Manoir Saint Joachim and Manoir Saint-Thomas merged in 1995, and the two residences now offer a total of 200 apartments. The apartment buildings offer cultural activities and common areas for dining and socializing.
With the Cité francophone next door, Campus Saint-Jean across the street and St. Thomas Church behind it, Manoir St. Thomas and its residents are fully integrated into life in Edmonton's French Quarter.