Provincial funding of over $377,000 will be used to create two supportive housing units at The Mount Community Centre in Peterborough, Ontario. The former convent of the Peterborough Sisters of St. Joseph has been converted into affordable apartments, with renovations ongoing to provide a total of 79 apartments of various sizes and rent levels. The funding was announced by Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack and Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith. Flack stated that these homes will make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting housing projects across the province. Smith also highlighted the importance of providing affordable housing in a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families in the community.
Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal emphasized that housing is a top priority for the city, stating that every housing unit created means a family or individual can experience security and an improved quality of life. He commended The Mount Community Centre for taking an innovative approach to developing housing units and expressed gratitude to the Province of Ontario for their support. City Council members Alex Bierk and Keith Riel also praised The Mount and the province for their focus on housing. Bierk recognized the efforts of The Mount in repurposing land in the central area of the city and providing programming and support, while Riel highlighted the importance of funding support from the Province of Ontario in addressing the housing shortage. Together, they acknowledged the critical role of initiatives like The Mount in providing housing solutions in the community.
The City of Peterborough has received over $8.8 million through the Social Services Relief Fund to deliver essential services such as shelters, food banks, and emergency services. This funding support has been crucial in addressing the housing shortage in the city, which has one of the lowest vacancy rates in Ontario. The collaboration between The Mount Community Centre, the City of Peterborough, and the Province of Ontario exemplifies a collective effort to tackle the housing crisis and provide much-needed support for individuals and families in need. The announcement of funding for two supportive housing units at The Mount is seen as a positive step towards building stronger communities and ensuring that all Ontarians have access to safe and affordable housing options.
Overall, the funding announcement for supportive housing units at The Mount Community Centre in Peterborough reflects the ongoing commitment of the provincial government to address housing issues and support innovative housing solutions. The collaboration between government officials, local leaders, and community organizations demonstrates a shared dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals and families in need of affordable housing. By investing in projects like The Mount, the government aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. The continued support from the Province of Ontario, along with the efforts of local partners, contributes to building a stronger and more resilient community in Peterborough. Through coordinated efforts and strategic investments, progress is being made towards achieving the goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031 and ensuring that all Ontarians have a place to call home.
