The Mount Community Centre in Peterborough, Ont., is set to receive more than $377,000 in provincial funding to create two supportive housing units. The former convent of the Peterborough Sisters of St. Joseph has been converted to provide affordable apartments, with the first 43 units opening in 2016. The ongoing renovations aim to offer a total of 79 apartments of various sizes and rent levels. Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack and Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith announced the funding, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting projects that address homelessness. Flack highlighted the importance of innovative solutions to building more housing in Ontario, with a goal of constructing at least 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal expressed that housing is a top priority for the city, noting that each new housing unit contributes to improved quality of life for families and individuals. He commended The Mount Community Centre for its innovative approach to developing housing units and thanked the Province of Ontario for its support. Coun. Alex Bierk and Keith Riel, portfolio chairs for the city’s community services, also praised The Mount and the province for focusing on housing initiatives. Bierk acknowledged the urgent need for new housing units in the city and extended gratitude to the provincial government for its support. Riel emphasized the importance of collaboration between the city and the province to address the housing shortage, recognizing that funding support is essential to solving the housing crisis.
The government’s commitment to housing was highlighted by Smith, who emphasized that the funding announcement would provide individuals and families in the community with additional access to affordable housing in a safe and supportive environment. He praised The Mount for its role in building stronger communities through its vision for affordable housing. The province revealed that the City of Peterborough has been allocated over $8.8 million through various phases of the Social Services Relief Fund to support critical services like shelters, food banks, and emergency services. The community also recognized The Mount Community Centre for its efforts in repurposing land, developing housing, and providing programming and support to address the housing crisis in Peterborough.
In light of the housing shortage and low vacancy rates in Peterborough, the collaboration between the city and the province has been vital in addressing the housing crisis. Funding support from the Province of Ontario is seen as an essential component in solving the housing shortage, and the community is grateful for the support. The creation of new housing units by The Mount Community Centre is seen as a significant step towards providing housing solutions in the community. The efforts of The Mount and the support from the provincial government have been crucial in developing innovative and effective approaches to addressing the housing needs of Peterborough residents. The province’s investment in affordable housing initiatives like those at The Mount is recognized as a key step in ensuring that all Ontarians have access to safe and supportive housing.
