On September 28, 1986 the Rest Home celebrated the first anniversary of Finlandia-Koti. At this time an honors membership was given to Leo Raaska for his past contributions. It was clear to all that the first phase of the Society’s long-term plan for an integrated rest home facility had been successfully completed. All units within the Koti were occupied and a waiting list existed for future tenants.
Reaction to the architectural and socio-cultural setting of the Koti was positive. Tauri Aaltio from Suomi Seura, Jaakko Blomberg, the Finnish Ambassador to Canada, and Matti Puhakka the Social Affairs Minister of the Government of Finland, all lavished praise on the facility. Aaltio also brought with him a large Finnish flag, which was proudly raised alongside its Canadian counterpart at the entrance to the home. In the latter part of 1986 the executive of the Society made a major decision to proceed with Phase II
With the firm support of its 1, 246 members, the society requested Seppo Kanerva to proceed with preliminary plans for the construction of Palvelukoti, a residential care complex for seniors who required some help with their everyday living.
Aate Ojalammi and Aino Krats were re-elected as Chairman and meetings of the Society held at Voima Hall on March 29, 1987 and March 27, 1988 respectively. Throughout 1987 and the early part of 1988, the society and Board were actively engaged in activities linked to Finlandia-Koti and in making preparations of the completion of phase 11. With respect to the latter, Vigneault and Co., a local consulting firm, was hired to work in cooperation with Seppo Kanerva in bringing the project to fruition.
The activities of the Society and Board, however, were marked by the unfortunate passing of Aate Ojalammi, Chairman of the Board of the Society, and Richard Stephenson, an active member of the Board, in June and August of 1988.