LONDON — The Ontario government is providing nearly $5.5 million to help build 30 accessible modular housing units in London to support people with addictions and mental health challenges, and those from racialized groups or at risk of homelessness.
“Our government’s Social Services Relief Fund is providing immediate housing and homelessness relief in communities across Ontario,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Supporting innovative solutions like these new accessible modular homes in London is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”
Construction for the innovative modular housing complex is now under way at 122 Baseline Road West. Of the 30 accessible units, 10 will be for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, 10 will be dedicated to people in need of mental health and addictions supports, and 10 will serve people from racialized groups. With units expected to be occupied by March 2022, residents will be close to public transportation, schools, parks, grocery stores, pharmacies and employment opportunities.
“This project will make a real difference in helping our most vulnerable neighbours find a home with the supports they need to remain stably housed,” said Jeff Yurek, MPP for Elgin—Middlesex—London. “I am proud that all partners have prioritized such an innovative project, where residents will be matched with supports that meet their unique needs and situations.”
The units will be fully accessible with wider hallways and doors, roll-in showers and outdoor spaces with barrier-free paths and rest areas. The site will include accessible parking, charging stations for personal mobility devices such as scooters, and a laundry room with accessible controls and equipment.
“A safe and affordable place to call home is something that we want to see for every Londoner – this is a top priority for our Council and our community,” said Ed Holder, Mayor of the City of London. “Funding in support of the housing initiative at 122 Baseline Road West will help achieve greater dignity for individuals, and greater economic prosperity for our communities.”
As highlighted in Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, today’s announcement is part of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which has provided $1 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipalities and Indigenous program partners create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable Ontarians, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Quick Facts
- The City of London has been allocated almost $23 million through Ontario’s Social Services Relief Fund, which is designed to help municipalities and Indigenous program partners deliver critical services, such as shelters, food banks, funding for rental arrears and housing.
- The City of London also received over $26.3 million in 2020-21 through the joint federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement, and $11.7 million in provincial COVID-19 financial relief for municipalities to address ongoing COVID-19 operating costs, help ensure the delivery of critical services and keep capital projects on track.
- Ontario has provided $147 million to help expand access to the provincial mental health and addictions system in every community. This funding builds on the province’s $176 million investment in the Roadmap to Wellness, a comprehensive plan to build a fully connected mental health and addictions system across the province.
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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