Ontario Building More Supportive Housing in St. Catharines
August 22, 2024
St. Catharines – The Ontario government is providing more than $6.1 million to help create sixty-five units in St. Catharines that will support individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Our government is working hard to ensure every person in Ontario has access to safe and affordable housing,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
“Today’s announcement builds on our government’s efforts to build more homes faster and make life more affordable for Ontario families.”
“Our government has made the largest investment in homelessness prevention in Ontario’s history because every Ontarian deserves a home that meets their needs,” said Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“Today, we continue to build on that investment to ensure our partners have the tools they need to get more community, affordable and supportive housing built across the province.”
Ontario is investing $2.6 million to help create fifty modular, trailer units for emergency shelter at 29 Riordan Street in St. Catharines. This temporary site for the Riordan Shelter will provide adults experiencing homelessness access to shelter all year round. This project provides residents with case management services and referrals to community supports for mental and physical health, substance use, and other needs. Additionally, public transit, medical services, and recreational facilities are conveniently situated nearby.
The government is also investing more than $3.5 million to help create fifteen supportive housing units that will prioritize those experiencing homelessness. Located at 320 Geneva Street in St. Catharines, this new, four-story building includes both accessible and barrier free units. The program and services for residents will encompass case management, training in daily living skills, and community referrals for mental health, physical health, and addiction support.
“The housing supply crisis impacts all Ontarians, but especially our most vulnerable citizens,” said Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Housing
“That is why we increased funding for our homelessness prevention programs by more than forty percent. We’re removing barriers to make it easier and faster to build homes of all kinds across the province.”
“I would like to thank the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the contribution to this incredibly important project,” said Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines.
“Along with the donation of the land from the City of St. Catharines – valued at more than $5 million – the Regional Municipality of Niagara is now in a position to build these desperately needed units. Our city knows the solution to these challenges lies in part with additional transition and bridge housing for those members of the community who need it.”
“We are thrilled to see the development at 320 Geneva Street in St. Catharines moving forward, a project that underscores Niagara Region’s unwavering commitment to addressing the housing crisis,” said Jim Bradley, Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
“We are grateful for the provincial government’s support, which has been instrumental in making this vision a reality. This initiative, which will provide funding for desperately needed supportive and affordable housing, is a critical step in our ongoing efforts to serve our most vulnerable residents.”
Today’s announcement is part of the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program, which provides funding to Ontario’s forty-seven municipal service managers for affordable housing and support services for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.