The sounds of progress at 165 Gordon Street attempted to drown parts of the speeches on Friday afternoon but the enthusiasm of officials opening a social housing project was undeterred.
The county, with help from the federal and provincial governments, is building an $8-million, 55 unit social housing apartment building on Gordon Street in the north end of Fergus.
It will house local seniors, handicapped, and people who simply have a difficult time finding decent housing.
“We’re really looking forward to this project,” said social services committee chairman Gord Tosh, who noted that the county has been involved over the past few years with many different buildings, but this is the first project for social housing.
The project, known as the Gordon Street Apartments, was sponsored by the county and received more than $3.8-million in funding under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program to help pay for the project.
Judith Binder, the district manager of the southwest Ontario Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation said the federal government came up with $1.4-million, and the homes will “make a big difference for people in this community.” That was echoed by Tony Brutto, of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, who said, “the benefits will ripple through the community.”
MPP Ted Arnott noted there are only 29 months until the next provincial election, and although he is currently in opposition, he must work with the government when possible. He thanked Dalton McGuinty’s government for providing funds for the apartment, and praised Wellington County for taking leadership by providing homes for many in the community who need them.
“The County of Wellington always sets the bar high,” Arnott said. “You work hard and surpass it; and then you refuse to rest on your laurels – instead setting the bar higher still.
Arnott added the place is “An address where 55 of our local families, many of whom today are in substandard housing, will soon recite, with evident Wellington County pride, 165 Gordon Street in Fergus is our address. It is where we live. It is our home.”
Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj noted that retired social services director Kim Warner, who was attending the ground breaking ceremony, had “recognized the need.”
Edwin Newton, president of Kiwi-Newton Construction, said the project is “perfect timing for us and our trades.”
He promised that many subtrades from Wellington County will benefit from work on the building during a slow time in the industry. He said the county picked the right time as well because “tradesmen are available and looking for work.”
Corrine Maloney, the project manager for Grinham Architects, thanked all government levels for recognizing “essential community projects.”
Tosh, who acted as master of ceremonies, said that the project has been in the works for some time, and there is a backlog for housing in the county.
“This is going to take at least 55 off the list,” he said.
The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program agreement comprises a commitment of $301-million from each of the two senior levels of government.
In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will have spent at least $734-million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.
