Ontario investing $2.2 million for 24-unit supportive housing development in St. Catharines

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

The Ontario government is investing over $2.2 million in supportive housing to give those who are most at risk of homelessness in Niagara Region housing and support services.

The new 24-unit Oakdale Commons development in St. Catharines will include 15 supportive housing units including four that are fully accessible. The new building will include a community room, kitchen, public washroom and laundry facilities for residents, as well as a large community garden and access to a city-operated playground beside the site. A high contrast colour palette will also be used throughout the building to assist people with visual impairments.

“Communities across the province are facing housing challenges, which have been heightened by COVID-19. Our government is proud to be working to ensure that every Ontarian has a place to call home,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Together, we are supporting innovative approaches so that our most vulnerable can safely move into housing with crucial support services.”

Residents will have access to onsite support from the YWCA Women’s Resource Centre which provides skill development programs, such as financial literacy, healthy relationships, employment related programs and cooking.

The funding is being provided through the Home for Good program, which provides housing assistance and support services to people experiencing homelessness, or who are at imminent risk of homelessness, in four priority areas: youth, Indigenous people, people experiencing chronic homelessness, and individuals transitioning from places such as jails and hospitals.

“The Oakdale Commons project is important as it will help ensure people right here in St. Catharines can get a roof over their head and access programs that will improve their quality of life,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

Ontario has more than 20 supportive housing projects assisting people with a wide range of supports, including Indigenous people, those with mental health issues, people with developmental disabilities, seniors, youth, and people who have experienced homelessness.

Through the Community Housing Renewal Strategy, Ontario is investing nearly $1 billion in 2020-21.

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