Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government and the Regional Municipality of Durham are providing more than $53 million to create new transitional and supportive housing at a former long-term care home in Whitby.
The funding will support the development of 104 new transitional and supportive housing beds and the retrofit of 45 existing emergency shelter beds at 1635 Dundas St. E., a site currently operating as a low-barrier shelter.
Ottawa is contributing $40 million through the National Housing Strategy’s Affordable Housing Fund, while the Region of Durham is providing $13.7 million.
The project converts the former long-term care facility into housing with on-site supports for people experiencing homelessness, including services for individuals facing alcohol and drug addictions.
“Our government is determined to help communities strengthen their capacity to develop local solutions to housing challenges and homelessness,” Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson said in a statement. “Supporting 1635 Dundas Street is one of the ways we do that.”
Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull said the federal funding will help address a range of housing needs in the region.
“This funding will add supportive housing to the 1635 Dundas site, creating sustainable pathways from crisis to independence for people who have experienced homelessness,” Turnbull said.
Durham Regional Chair and CEO John Henry said the existing low-barrier shelter has served as a critical resource for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
“The low barrier shelter at 1635 Dundas Street East has been a lifeline for individuals — a safe place to sleep, eat and take steps toward housing,” Henry said. “This investment will transform the second and third floors into transitional and supportive housing where clients can move through the housing continuum.”
Officials said the project reflects collaboration between different levels of government to expand housing and support services in the region.
