SIMCOE: The Ontario government and Ottawa is providing big funding to help create 18 supportive housing units, 14 of which are barrier free in Simcoe to support people with disabilities.
This investment in Simcoe housing project is in addition to the over $3.4 million the government has already contributed to the project containing 51 units. Residents will be close to public transportation, parks, grocery stores, pharmacies, the hospital, library, and employment opportunities.
“Premier Ford and our government are focused on solving the housing crisis. That’s why our Social Services Relief Fund is providing immediate housing and homelessness relief in communities across Ontario,” said Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing. “Supporting innovative solutions like these new supportive housing units in Simcoe is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”
Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, alongside Jeff Neven, CEO of Indwell, announced over $10 million in federal funding to create the new homes through the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
Dogwood Suites, formerly known as the Norfolk Inn located at 41 Norfolk Street South in Simcoe was renovated into a 51-unit supportive housing development.
“Building housing is a top priority for Premier Ford and our government,” said the Honourable Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Building barrier free housing in Simcoe to support people with disabilities shows our commitment to helping ensure everyone across Ontario has access to a quality home.”
Located at 41 Norfolk Street, the project will be operated by Indwell and will convert a former inn to create bachelor and one-bedroom units for people living with a disability, including mental health. All units will be full apartments with a washroom, sleeping quarters, and a kitchen.
New investments under the RHI will create thousands of good jobs in the housing and construction sector, grow the middle class, and build back stronger communities while getting us closer to our goal of eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada.
“Today’s housing announcement is wonderful news for the residents of Haldimand-Norfolk,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant. “We are working together to help protect the vulnerable in our communities and build a stronger Ontario.”