Ontario Building More Supportive Housing in Peterborough

Provincial investment will support people experiencing homelessness in the community

May 02, 2024

Municipal Affairs and Housing


Peterborough, ON — The Ontario government is providing $377,641 to help create two supportive housing units in Peterborough that will support people experiencing homelessness.

Located at 1545 Monaghan Road, The Mount is a structurally beautiful, former convent that has been converted to provide three small scale housing projects. The building is accessible with ramps, elevators, and wide hallways, as well as space for storing and charging electric wheelchairs and scooters.

The funding was announced by Rob Flack, Associate Minister of Housing and Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough – Kawartha.

“These homes will make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness, and I’m proud that our government is supporting projects like these all across the province,” said Rob Flack, Associate Minister of Housing. “The Mount is another great example of innovative solutions to build more housing of all kinds. We’ll keep working with our partners to achieve our goal to build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031 to ensure all Ontarians can find a place to call home.”

Residents will be close to community resources, including transit, grocery stores, schools, and employment opportunities, as well as support programs on site.

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 municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

The Ontario government is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs – the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program – bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment to close to $700 million. This includes nearly $7.7 million in 2023-24 through the Homelessness Prevention Program for Peterborough.


Quick Facts

  • The City of Peterborough has been allocated over $8.8 million through all phases of the Social Services Relief Fund to deliver critical services such as shelters, food banks and emergency services.
  • Service managers and Indigenous program administrators have the flexibility to allocate provincial funding to programs and services that address and prevent homelessness in their communities, such as rent supplements, homeless shelters, and supportive housing including capital projects.

Quotes

“Our government’s policies have delivered historic results in getting more homes built faster and addressing homelessness. Increasing community, affordable, and supportive housing is a critical component of our commitment to build at least 1.5 million new homes by 2031, which will help all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, find a home that meets their needs and budget.”

– Paul Calandra
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

“Our government made a commitment to the people of Ontario to get the full spectrum of housing built, and that includes accessible and affordable housing. Today’s announcement ensures that individuals and families in our community will have additional access to affordable housing in a safe and supportive environment. The Mount has been instrumental in their vision for building stronger communities.”

– Dave Smith
Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough – Kawartha

“Housing is a top priority for the City of Peterborough. Every single housing unit means a family or an individual can experience security and an improved quality of life. The Mount Community Centre is making a real difference in our community by taking a fresh approach to developing housing units. We appreciate the support of the Province of Ontario for this project, as well as the other important investments it is making to support the creation of much needed housing in the City of Peterborough.”

– Jeff Leal
Mayor of Peterborough

“Heartfelt thanks to everyone at the Mount Community Centre, which deserves recognition for their efforts to repurpose land in the central area of the city, developing housing and providing programming and support. These new housing units are desperately needed in the city. We extend our gratitude to the Province of Ontario for supporting such initiatives as our community works to address the housing crisis.”

– Alex Bierk
Councillor for Ward 3, Peterborough, Community Services, Portfolio Chair

“With one of the lowest vacancy rates in Ontario, the City of Peterborough has every iron in the fire to address the housing shortage, but we can’t do it alone. Funding support from the Province of Ontario is an essential piece of the puzzle, and for that we are grateful. Today we applaud the Mount Community Centre for the creation of these new housing units along with all the other work they are doing to provide housing solutions in our community. “

– Keith Riel
Councillor for Ward, Peterborough, Community Services, Portfolio Chair


Additional Resources