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Taking part in the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the County of Renfrew’s new build at 1030 Lea Street in the City of Pembroke on May 3 (from left) were Pembroke Councillor Ed Jacyno; Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais; County Councillor Rob Weir; County Councillor Jennifer Murphy; the Honourable Rob Flack, Associate Minister of Housing; Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski; County of Renfrew Warden Peter Emon; County Councillor Anne Giardini; Jason Davis, Director of Development and Property and Chief Administrative Officer Craig Kelley.
NEWS RELEASE
May 3, 2024
Provincial investment will support seniors and people with disabilities
Pembroke — The Ontario government is providing $3.1 million to help create eight supportive housing units in Pembroke.
The complex at 1030 Lea Street features four one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units. Residents will have access to individualized support services such as mental health and addictions counselling, other health services, and life skills training intended to promote housing security, self-sufficiency and overall well-being. Four units are accessible and will support seniors and people with disabilities.
The units, operated by the Renfrew County Housing Corporation (RCHC), will be rent-geared-to-income, becoming part of their housing portfolio. The new build is the first addition of new construction within the more than 20-year history of RCHC. The homes are centrally located with access to schools, shopping, parks, and recreational trails, and are expected to be ready for occupancy by June 1, 2024.
The funding was announced by Rob Flack, Associate Minister of Housing.
"Our government is investing historic levels of funding in housing and homelessness prevention because we know what a positive impact in can have in the life of a vulnerable person and on a community as a whole," said Associate Minister Flack. "Working with our partners to build more supportive and affordable housing is a critical part of our plan to get at least 1.5 million homes built by 2031."
Today’s announcement is part of the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP). In 2023-24, the province began investing an additional $190.5 million annually through the HPP to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and support the community organizations delivering supportive housing. This funding can also be used to build new supportive housing units.
The project was also supported by the Social Services Relief Fund, which 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.
Quick Facts
- The County of Renfrew was allocated $7.5 million through all phases of the Social Services Relief Fund to deliver critical services such as shelters, food banks and emergency services.
- Through HPP, service managers 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
"Building more homes and providing funding for affordable and supportive housing continues to be one of our government’s highest priorities. As MPP for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, I am very pleased that we could support this project. I commend the County of Renfrew and all involved as we continue to address our housing challenges."
- John Yakabuski
MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke
"We are thrilled to see this new integrated community housing complex completed as it adds to the available affordable and supportive housing units in the County of Renfrew. As these are the first new housing units built in the County of Renfrew in nearly 60 years, we see this project as the beginning of the transformation to new housing stock in the County as we work to address the current housing crisis. Today, we celebrate not just bricks and mortar, but the bonds of compassion that hold us together."
- Peter Emon
Warden, County of Renfrew
"Today we're not just opening doors; we're opening hearts, minds, and opportunities for every member of our community. This affordable housing complex stands as a testament to our commitment to provide shelter, security, and dignity to all. Together, we've woven a tapestry of hope and belonging for Renfrew County. Let this moment mark the beginning of a brighter tomorrow for every resident who calls this place home."
- Anne Giardini
Chair Community Services Committee, County of Renfrew
"With the completion of this project, we honour the countless hours of dedication, collaboration, and vision that have brought us to this moment. Today’s ceremony represents not only the culmination of a construction project but the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Renfrew County housing. May this affordable housing complex serve as a sanctuary of safety, stability, and support for generations to come as we unravel the constraints of poverty and homelessness and weave a new fabric of resilience and hope."
- James Brose
Chair Development and Property Committee, County of Renfrew
"The City of Pembroke is proud to support the addition of this new multi-unit affordable and supportive housing complex. We join the County of Renfrew in the commitment to ensuring affordable, sustainable and inclusive housing."
- Ron Gervais
Mayor, City of Pembroke
Media Contacts
Michael Ramnanan
Associate Minister’s Office
Michael.Ramnanan@ontario.ca
Communications Branch
MMA.Media@ontario.ca
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