SIMCOE — The Ontario government is providing over $1.1 million to help create 18 supportive housing units, 14 of which are barrier free in Simcoe to support people with disabilities. This investment is in addition to the over $3.4 million the government has already contributed to the project containing 51 units.
Residents will be close to public transportation, parks, grocery stores, pharmacies, the hospital, library, and employment opportunities.
“Premier Ford and our government are focused on solving the housing crisis. That’s why our Social Services Relief Fund is providing immediate housing and homelessness relief in communities across Ontario,” said Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing. “Supporting innovative solutions like these new supportive housing units in Simcoe is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”
Dogwood Suites, formerly known as the Norfolk Inn located at 41 Norfolk Street South in Simcoe was renovated into a 51-unit supportive housing development. The new housing complex will include 14 barrier free units, a community space and commercial units on the ground floor. This project will also help residents access a variety of support programs such as counselling and life-skills training.
“Building housing is a top priority for Premier Ford and our government,” said the Honourable Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Building barrier free housing in Simcoe to support people with disabilities shows our commitment to helping ensure everyone across Ontario has access to a quality home.”
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 over $1.2 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.
“Today’s housing announcement is wonderful news for the residents of Haldimand-Norfolk,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant. “We are working together to help protect the vulnerable in our communities and build a stronger Ontario.”
The Ontario government is also investing an additional $25 million annually in our new Homelessness Prevention Program. The new program simplifies and streamlines operations so municipal service managers can spend less time on paperwork and more time working with their clients to help find housing and other supports and help those at risk of homelessness stay in their homes. The additional funding brings Ontario’s total yearly investment in the program to close to $464 million.
Quotes
“I am thankful to both the federal and provincial levels of government for their financial support on this project. Norfolk County Council had committed to providing up to $250,000 annually for 20 years to this project, however, thanks to strong advocacy, federal and provincial support, that entire commitment will be borne by higher levels of government. It is truly refreshing to see this positive step in our community that will also not add to the local tax burden.” – Kristal Chopp, Mayor of Norfolk County
“Dogwood Suites is an example for smaller and rural municipalities across Ontario that creating new supportive housing is possible. When charities and non-profits, local government, the business community, and generous donors pull together, our federal and provincial ministries know their investments in affordable, accessible housing with integrated supports lead to healthier people and resilient communities. Indwell’s team, together with our tenants, looks forward to helping shape the next chapter for this landmark in the heart of Simcoe.” – Graham Cubitt, Director of Projects and Development, Indwell.
Quick Facts
- Dogwood Suites will contain bachelor and one-bedroom furnished apartments each with a kitchenette and air conditioning. The building is designed to a passive house standard to lower its ecological footprint.
- In Budget 2021, we released $175 million for mental health and addictions services and supports, building on prior year investments of $176 million announced in October 2020, and $174 million in Budget 2019.
- The shortage of housing supply impacts all Ontarians, no matter your background or budget. The province’s ongoing work to increase the supply of market housing complements our historic investments to increase the supply of supportive and community housing for our most vulnerable Ontarians.
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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