Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal and provincial governments have announced $3.6 million to build a 32-unit supportive housing complex in Midland.
The new homes will be operated by Shelter Now, a non-profit charity and provide a mix of bachelor, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Five of the units are expected to be fully accessible. Construction started July 30, 2021, and the complex is expected to be completed and occupied by 2023.
“The shortage of housing supply impacts all Ontarians, no matter your background or budget. Our government will continue to collaborate with all levels of government to increase the supply of all types of homes for all types of Ontarians and leverage innovative approaches to build homes faster,” said Steve Clark, provincial minister of municipal affairs and housing.
“These homes will provide 32 Midland families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness with a safe, stable place to call home.”
The project was designed by Tiny Township companies Quantum Engineering and Innovative Home Design and will include a common space for on-site programming and community building.
In a separate announcement last week, over $2.9 million was announced for seven housing projects in Thunder Bay where a total of 98 supportive housing units will be constructed.
Funding will be shared by:
- Matawa Training and Wellness Centre – $1.14 million to renovate six units and a community kitchen and food pantry area.
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care – $800,000 to create a new facility with eight units.
- Matawa Family Crisis Shelter – $438,300 to renovate six units.
- Grace Place – $231,000 to renovate 10 units and purchase new windows, doors and a new HVAC system in the kitchen area.
- The Urban Abbey – $195,000 to renovate the shelter and increase capacity from four to 10 units. Work also includes upgrading the heating system and addressing roofing issues.
- Marjorie House – $77,000 to renovate 10 units and expand the shelter entrance to create a space for client belongings.
- John Howard Society – $52,000 to renovate a 48-unit complex. Work includes the installation of a contactless entry system and upgrades to a common space.
“We know that when our communities’ most vulnerable have access to housing and a full suite of social services, they have a greater ability to lift themselves out of poverty, and eventually find employment,” said Greg Rickford, minister of Northern development, mines, natural resources and forestry.
Cash is from the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, a program under the CMHC-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that provides funding to repair, regenerate and expand community housing so tenants can live in a home that meets their needs and budget.
“With our partners in the province, we are providing a helping hand for individuals and families in need, because everyone deserves a safe roof over their head. Our government knows the right to adequate housing is a fundamental human right for all Canadians. This is the National Housing Strategy at work,” said Ahmed Hussen, federal housing minister.