Federal Government Is Financing $8.5 Million To Help Construct 3-Storey Rental Unit In Peterborough

Maryam Monsef, MP for Peterborough-Kawartha, announced that the federal government is financing $8.5 million to help construct a three-storey, 27 rental unit building located at 888 Whitefield Drive in Peterborough.

The 888 Whitefield Drive development by Parkview Homes is receiving financing through the Government of Canada’s Rental Construction Financing initiative (RCFi), a National Housing Strategy program delivered by CMHC that supports rental housing construction projects. The program encourages a stable supply of rental housing for middle-class families struggling in expensive housing markets.

Maryam Monsef making announement on Livestream Friday, February 5th, 2021

Since 2019, the Government of Canada has now invested nearly $25 million to build housing in Peterborough-Kawartha with other projects at the Brock Mission, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough, and Water Street.

That is in addition to prior housing investments for projects at The Mount Community Centre, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, and Peterborough Housing Corporation’s McRae project.

“COVID-19 has reminded us that nothing is more important than a home,” says Monsef. “As we all do our part to contain the spread, homes have become a sanctuary—a place of safety and refuge in challenging times. Today’s announcement means more than $30 million has been invested by the Government of Canada to renovate, subsidize and build 1,600 housing units in Peterborough-Kawartha. That’s 1,600 families with a safe roof over their head, 1,600 families who get to live, grow, and excel in this community we are all fortunate to call home. And there is more to come.”

“Peterborough has a significant need for more safe and accessible housing,” adds Mayor Therrien. “I would like to thank MP Monsef for her work to push this project forward, as well as CMHC and Parkview Homes for their commitment to providing secure, energy efficient units that meet the needs of our community.”

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MP Monsef Announces $7.6 million To Build 25 Rental Units For Peterborough Families

MP Maryam Monsef has announced that the federal government is financing $7.6 million to help construct 25 residential units located at 3789 Water Street in Peterborough.

The development includes a unique partnership with Kawartha Participation Projects (KPP), who will provide management of the building.

Patrick Cooper, CEO, Kawartha Participations Project, and Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, on-site at 3789 Water Street in Peterborough where 25 residential units are being constructed.

KPP provides housing services and supports to people with physical disabilities living in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton and Northumberland. Five units in the development have been earmarked for KPP clients and will be designed to meet the accessibility needs of tenants.

The development at 3789 Water Street by Greenleaf/Cor-Plan is receiving financing through the National Housing Strategy’s Rental Construction Financing initiative (RCFi), one of the many NHS programs being delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The RCFi supports the creation of new rental housing projects to encourage a stable supply of rental housing.

“The need for housing in our community was great before COVID, and it’s only increased since,” says MP Monsef. “We need innovative partners and solutions to address the housing needs in our community and projects like this one do just that. This partnership with KPP represents the Government of Canada’s continued commitment to investing in both accessible and affordable housing here in Peterborough-Kawartha.”

“Peterborough has a great need for all types of housing,” adds Peterborough Mayor Therrien. “Solving our housing challenges requires innovative solutions and cooperation from all levels of government, as well as private partners. The funding through CMHC will add 25 residential units to our housing stock and will increase density in the North end of our city.”

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More Affordable Housing Within Reach As Construction Kicks Off On Largest Habitat Peterborough Build To Date

More decent, affordable housing is within reach in Peterborough as Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is excited to be kicking off its largest build project to date. 

“We are aware that many people in our community are in need of decent, affordable housing and we are advocates for the solution,” says Sarah Budd, CEO for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “That’s why, unlike our previous build projects, the Leahy’s Lane development is not just for families but open to singles, couples, seniors, and families.”

Located at 33 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough, the three-storey, 41-unit condo development will consist of a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom affordable condos. It will offer an elevator and a fully universal design which will accommodate current or future homeowners’ accessibility needs. Each condo will include appliances and in-suite heating and air conditioning control. In addition, the condos will be energy efficient—making it even more affordable for homeowners. 

Photo courtesy Habitat Peterborough

“Now more than ever, safe and affordable housing is a critical need,” adds Budd. “The local individuals and families we partner with are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between them and better, healthier, more financially stable lives.”

“It was challenging for us to even see ourselves in a home we owned,” says Holly, who along with her husband Wayne applied to own a Habitat condo. “The barrier of renting and living expenses limits us from putting away money towards a down payment. Wayne and I have always dreamt of becoming homeowners, but roadblocks such as a down payment and the rise in the market, have prevented us from making this goal reality. Purchasing a new Habitat home will free us from renting the rest of our lives. It will offer stability and pride of ownership and accomplishment.”

Habitat Peterborough offers families and individuals a hand-up, not a hand-out, by providing a geared to income mortgage and requiring no down payment. They are still looking for more applicants for this innovative development. People interested in partnering with Habitat Peterborough to be a condo owner can sign up for a virtual info session by visiting the website or emailing here to learn more.

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Local Student Wins $10,000 For Habitat For Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

The Meaning of Home is a national writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada that asks students in Grade 4, 5 and 6 to share what home means to them.

More than 10,200 students entered this year’s Meaning of Home contest, and Peterborough student Siena Hopkins-Prest is one of three Grade 6 runners up in the national contest—read her winning entry “What Does Home Mean To Me” here—helping win a $10,000 grant that will go towards Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

These much-needed funds will go towards Habitat Peterborough’s innovative new 41-unit affordable condo building to be built at 33 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough. Construction of the condo building is set to begin in September, and will help local families, singles, couples, and seniors in need of a safe and secure place to call home.

Siena Hopkins-Prest

“Too many families and individuals in our Region are struggling without access to a decent, affordable place to call home,” says Christina Skuce, Director of Philanthropy & Communications with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Siena’s winning entry and the key support of our local youth means that we can help more local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.”

The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor, Genworth Canada. “I’d like to congratulate each of the contest winners and thank all the students who submitted entries on what home means to them,” says Stuart Levings, President and CEO, Genworth Canada. “Since 2007, the Meaning of Home contest has been empowering youth to become engaged and compassionate members of the community while educating them on the importance of affordable housing. We’re proud to be a founding sponsor of this initiative.”

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United Way of Peterborough & District Announces One Of Largest Concerts In Peterborough History

Mic Drop: The United Way of Peterborough & District just announced one of the largest concerts in Peterborough history in order to raise vital funds in the fight against homelessness.

“Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness” takes place at Showplace Performance Centre Thursday, March 5th, and includes the Weber Brothers Band, the Austin Carson Band, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr, Danny Bronson, the Three Martinis, Rick and Gailie’s Peterborough All-Star Band, Hillary Dumoulin, James Higgins, Elyse Saunders, Tami J. Wilde, Jacques Graveline, Phil Stephenson, Nick Ferrio, Jake Dudas, and Victoria Pearce with Mike Graham.

The event is generously sponsored by RBC Royal Bank of Canada, and Megan Murphy and Jordan Mercier will serve as masters of ceremony. A silent auction will feature close to 30 items. General seating will accommodate non-stop performances on the David Goyette Stage and in the Nexicom Studio.

All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to United Way-funded agencies that provide housing and shelter to the marginalized. “I am grateful to Campaign Cabinet Member Paul Rellinger for his leadership in bringing this event to life,” says United Way Campaign Chair David Goyette. “We were all disturbed by the emergence of tent city last summer and it crystallized in us a desire to do better in serving people in need. I know that all our performers and sponsors feel the same way.”

“RBC is pleased to support the United Way of Peterborough and District as the presenting sponsor of Peterborough Performs”, adds Scott Mancini, Commercial Vice-President, RBC. “Homelessness is a prevalent issue in the Peterborough area. This concert will raise both awareness and funds in support of the United Way and local agencies doing great work to develop and implement solutions.”

Tickets are available at the Showplace box office, online at showplace.org, by phone at 705-742-7469, and at the United Way office at 277 Stewart Street in Peterborough.

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Canadian Ice Hut For Sale: Let The Bidding Wars Begin

[UPDATE: Huffington Post picks up our post.]

It's that time of year again to start thinking ice huts—remember this epic one we wrote about last year. If you're looking for one in the Kawarthas to put down on Chemong Lake or wherever, this one below parked in someone's driveway is for sale in Port Perry, Ont. It's $1,500 and in mint condition according to the ad, with full metal base, wood stove and hitch bar. Give'r.

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City Of Peterborough Offering Home Ownership Assistance Loans

From a City of Peterborough press release:

There is help for moderate-income, renter households to realize the dream of owning their own home.

The City of Peterborough is offering home ownership assistance loans to eligible applicants in the City and County of Peterborough. The loan will be repayable if the house is sold within twenty (20) years. Any loans, which are repaid, will go into a revolving fund to help other households purchase a home in the future.

Since 2008, the Canada-Ontario Home Ownership program has been successful in assisting 55 renters achieve their dream of owning a home in this area.

The 2013 program will assist approximately 15 households to purchase a new or resale home in the City and County of Peterborough priced at $240,000 or below. The Agreement of Purchase and Sale must be executed after April 2, 2013 and have a minimum of 30 days notice of the closing date. Homebuyers who are 18 years of age and older, earning a gross annual household income of $69,800 or less, currently renting, do not currently own a home and are pre-approved for a mortgage may be eligible. Application packages are now available from the Housing Division at City Hall.

Susan Bacque, Manager, Housing Division with the City of Peterborough, is excited about this program saying, “This is the third time we have been able to offer assistance for the purchase of an affordable home. The range of Housing programs available to City and County residents is broad, addressing the entire housing continuum – from people who are homeless, to low income renter households, to those renters who, with a little assistance, can become successful home owners”.

The City and County support this program as a way to assist moderate-income renter households who are able to carry a mortgage but have not been able to save a full down payment.

For further information please contact: Susan Bacque, Manager, Housing Division City of Peterborough 500 George Street North, Peterborough ON K9H 3R9, 705-742-7777 ext 1492, Toll-free 1-855-738-3755 Ext 1492, email: sbacque@peterborough.ca

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