GUELPH – A $6.4-million contribution from the federal government will facilitate the conversion of a former Guelph motel into affordable housing space.
The federal Rapid Housing Initiative funding was announced during an online press conference on Feb. 9.
Plans to convert the Parkview Motel into studio apartments for those who are experiencing homelessness or have complex health needs were announced in April, when Guelph’s Drop-in Centre purchased the Woolwich Street building with the assistance of $1.2 million in funding from the County of Wellington and Ontario’s Social Services Relief Fund.
The Drop-In Centre, in partnership with the county, operates the Stepping Stone Shelter, which provides beds for those without housing.
“We are thrilled that Grace Gardens will be funded to build a beautiful, permanent supportive housing project for our community,” said Stepping Stone executive director Gail Hoekstra.
She explained the shelter organization has worked for many years towards creating solutions to homelessness “rather than only supporting the experience of homelessness
“This project is one that not only builds affordable housing but also ensures that person-centred supports are available 24/7 to build holistic care plans around individuals to move people towards not only stability in their housing but also towards improvement in their health and overall quality of life.”
Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), said the federal government “wants to ensure that everyone in Canada has a safe and affordable place to call home.
“The Rapid Housing Initiative will go a long way to supporting those who need it most by quickly providing 32 new affordable housing units for vulnerable community members in Guelph.
“This is one of the many ways our National Housing Strategy continues to leave no one behind.”
Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield said the funding “is further proof of our government’s commitment to affordable housing in our city and across the country.”
He added, “Lack of affordable housing is a problem that has plagued Guelph, but with investments like this coupled with others found in the National Housing Strategy, we are well on our way to finding a solution.”
Wellington County Warden Kelly Linton said there is an ongoing need for supportive housing across Guelph-Wellington.
“We are very fortunate to be working with Stepping Stone to help respond to these needs through the Grace Gardens project,” said Linton.
“The project has proven that supportive housing initiatives thrive with support from all levels of government, and with leadership and innovation from a variety of community partners.
“It has been inspiring to see these collaborations come together through the Grace Gardens project and the county is very grateful for the commitments and dedication of all those involved.”
Rendering of the Grace Garden project (CNW Group/Government of Canada)
“The Grace Gardens project will make a huge difference by providing permanent, affordable housing to people in our community who need it the most,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie.
“Our community’s goal is to end homelessness. This project is a major step in the right direction.”
The mayor adde Guelph “is grateful to the federal government for this funding, and to the county, Stepping Stone, and all the community partners who brought this project to this point.”
Noting Wellington County is responsible for the delivery of social and supportive housing in Guelph and Wellington, Guthrie called the county “a key player as we strive to meet our goal of ending homelessness in Guelph and Wellington.”
Referencing Hoekstra and the team at Stepping Stone, Guthrie stated, “Your leadership on this project has been nothing short of incredible. Our city is better every day because of you.”
Hoekstra said the additional funding means “we’re in a really good position to get this project done in the quickest way possible.
“We’re aiming for summer to cut the ribbon,” she added.
The project is also receiving $25,000 from the CMHC Seed Funding program and over $460,000 through the Ontario Priority Housing Initiative.
