By Kristen Frisa
Ontario Construction News staff writer
Filomena Tassi, minister of seniors, was in London July 15 to announce $7.1 million in funding to build Residenza Ortona, a seniors and veterans housing project led by the Italian Seniors Project (ISP).
The financial backing is coming as part of the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), a pillar of the National Housing Strategy (NHS).
The building, being built on Hamilton Road in London,is set to have 60 units, 90 per cent of which will be considered affordable. 10 units will be reserved for veterans, and 19 units will be accessible.
“I am delighted to see that construction is underway on this project, and that soon more London residents will have an affordable place to call home thanks to the vision and dedicated hard work of ISP,” said Peter Fragiskatos, MP for London North Centre.
The new building is being planned to use 28 per cent less energy than is required by the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings.
The name Residenza Ortona is in honour of the Canadian troops who liberated the Italian town of Ortona during the Second World War.
ISP currently operates Residenza Italia, also on Hamilton Road, which opened in 2011 and features 52 units for seniors who need safe and affordable housing. The community group was founded by concerned citizens in 2004.
“The ISP’s projects are focused on providing our residents with a sense of pride, belonging and togetherness rather than just accommodations,” said ISP director Claudio De Vincenzo.
The NHS is a decade-long plan that is intended to create 100,000 new housing units and renew 300,000 more to reduce the country’s chronic homelessness by half.
“Through the National Housing Strategy, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in London and in all corners of the country,” Tassi said.
Dear Kristen, appreciate the efforts taken in collaborating such a wonderful article highlighting the aid that Seniors and Veterans in London are going to receive. This project has been very well in this article and in the most understandable way. With the construction in progress it is no more a dream but the truth coming to life and giving homes to the needy.
Hi Kristen, I am really really glad to hear this. Home is very importent for everyone particularly seniors and Veterans. Really appreciate the efforts.