City's 50-Unit Modular Bridge Housing Community For the Homeless Expected to Operate In a Few Weeks

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The City of Peterborough’s 50-unit modular bridge housing community at the Rehill parking lot is in its final steps and is expected to move in people in a few weeks at a private media tour held Thursday morning.

Each unit is equipped with electricity, air conditioning and a heating system. A bed, night table, cutlery, dresser, towels, mini-fridge and waste receptacles are also in each unit. Most of the items are donated by the Elizabeth Fry Society. There are also five washrooms next to the module housing. They are fitted with a toilet, sink and shower.

Amenities and activities are also available just outside the module housing. The Wolfe Street building will act as a community space. Laundry and wheelchair washrooms are located nearby but off the site and available to those in the modular system.

The City has already chosen 50 people to move into the units from the tent encampment off Wolfe Street. It is based on a list of those who have been marginalized for several years, according to Councillor Keith Riel.

“We are going to give people a new lease on life,” he said. “Someone who has lived in a precarious position for a couple of years in a tent is second to none.”

Riel added that overflow accommodations are at the former Trinity United Church.

Those staying in modules are capped at around 18-24 months of being in the modules though occupancy varies from person to person. Transitional housing programs are available for those ready to move out.

Final construction pieces and staffing need to be finalized and secured before the modules are occupied, according to Jocelyn Blazey, the City’s homelessness programming manager.

“There are some key markers that we have identified both as the City and with Elizabeth Fry as they are providing support and security to make sure that the site is ready from a programming perspective,” she explained. “We wanted it to be a smooth transition for folks and we want staff and clients to feel supported so there are a few key things that we still need to make sure to put in place.”

Two support staff and two security guards provided by Elizebeth Fry will be at the housing facilities when they become operable. The Society also aims to have welcome baskets ready for the individuals moving in. They are asking the public to help with donations to help fill them which can be dropped off on-site.

Items include:

  • Hats/toques

  • Mittens

  • Tim Hortons Gift Cards ($10 value)

  • Food and drink

    • Snacks

    • Fruit

    • Protein shakes/bars

    • Water/Juice/Pop

The modules were proposed to be built in August by City Council, with off-site construction of the units starting in September. Council was diligent in streamlining the process to get the units up and running as soon as possible, according to Councillor Alex Bierk.

“Usually, the bureaucracy of the system really slows things down but this has been something that has come together really quickly and we've worked out a lot of details,” he explained. “At the end of the day, what we have here is so much better and different than what we had last winter.”

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City of Peterborough Expects Residents to Move Into 50-Unit Modular Bridge Housing Community Later This Month

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The City of Peterborough expects Residents of the new Modular Bridge Housing Community to start moving into the 50 units in this month following the completion of installation and construction of the units.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The inspection of the electrical hookups to each unit — which all have electric heating and cooling systems — needs to be completed, according to a press release. The City is also finalizing agreements with the operators of the site.

The City’s emergency shelter network, operated by community partner agencies, offers 106 shelter beds. The overflow shelter bed program, temporarily moved to the Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St., had about 24 beds available each night in October.

As part of the emergency winter response plan, the City has also agreed with One City to open a new overnight drop-in space that will open at the Trinity Centre on Reid Street following renovations, which are nearing completion.

The Modular Bridge Housing Community and the new overnight drop-in space are part of the updated homelessness services strategy that Council approved in May last year.

To facilitate the construction and installation of the Modular Bridge Housing Community on a former municipal parking lot on Wolfe Street, Council approved in September a temporary amendment to the City of Peterborough’s Parks and Facilities By-law and Trespass By-law to temporarily allow tenting on the municipal parking lot at the southeast corner of Aylmer and Wolfe streets.

Temporarily allowing tenting on the property at Aylmer and Wolfe Streets is intended to provide a clear and safe work environment for the construction and installation of the Modular Bridge Housing Community on the nearby Rehill Parking Lot on Wolfe Street.

The temporary amendment to the Parks and Facilities By-law and Trespass By-law was scheduled to expire on Nov. 15. Council has extended the temporary amendment until Jan. 5 to allow for the completion of the construction and installation of the Modular Bridge Housing Community, the execution of the required agreements all with the intent that residents start moving into the units in November.

When the temporary amendment to the by-laws to allow tenting on the property at Aylmer and Wolfe Streets is revoked, anyone who is tenting on the property will be informed of the change – that tenting is no longer allowed on the property or any other City-owned property – and that their tents must be removed.

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"People Are Just Getting Poorer" Peterborough's Housing Crisis Worse Than a Year Ago Says United Way

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The United Way Peterborough & District’s 18th Edition of Housing is Fundamental report says that the city’s housing crisis has become worse than a year ago according to author Paul Armstrong.

Paul Armstrong authored the Housing is Fundamental report annually. The report was relased publicly a day after World Homelessness Day, held on Oct. 10. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made at United Way Peterborough & District as part of their annual report written by Armstrong that started 18 years ago.

It provides an overview of Peterborough's local rental market while also highlighting the impacts of the commodification of housing and income inequality.

“People are just getting poorer. That's all there is to it,” said Armstrong. “When your rent keeps going up and up and up, you're not in a position of having the same disposable income and without that disposable income, you're going to have to back away from something else in the marketplace. “

Armstrong’s key findings include:

  • Peterborough's vacancy rate is the lowest in Ontario for the second year in a row at 1.1 per cent

  • Newly vacant apartment rents were 19 per cent higher than the rent of occupied units

  • Recovery in employment and renewed student inflows supported rental demand

  • 70 units were added to the market, which is the largest increase in the last 15 years

Armstrong’s localized statistical figures based on data from Statistics Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHC).

“Never has housing commanded so much attention,” said Armstrong. “Almost daily, reports highlight shortages of purpose-built rental units and widespread affordability challenges. The current dilemma, while newsworthy, isn't new. Its roots can be traced to federal government decisions made in the 1990s. Three decades later social or rent-geared-to-income housing has never been so needed. And 'affordable' housing, which is 10 per cent - 20 per cent below market rents is all but unattainable.”

His report also found that rental demand kept pace with supply growth last year and two-bedroom rentals are 23 per cent higher upon turnover to new tenants.

“Both homelessness and severe housing burden now exist in dangerous proportions. Governments hopefully have learned that reliance on the private market to meet all housing needs is imaginary and unfounded. They (governments) must get back into the game with appropriate policy and adequate funding.”

Armstrong continues to mention that this year's perspective is critical as there is a growing cost of living, particularly in housing and food costs.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO described rising housing costs' impacts on our community members.

“Housing is Fundamental to well-being,” he said. “As we strive to build a better community together, a basic starting point is safe, affordable housing for all.”

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City of Peterborough Postpones Monaghan Housing Unit Groundbreaking Ceremony

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The official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new six-storey, 53-unit affordable housing building at 681 Monaghan Rd. has been postponed to align with an upcoming announcement according to the City of Peterborough announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

A new date will be released once the City confirms the details.

Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2024.

The City of Peterborough is building the affordable housing project on property they own and the housing will be managed by the City’s social housing agency, Peterborough Housing Corporation.

Information on the project is available on the City’s online community engagement hub, Connect Peterborough, at connectptbo.ca/affordable-housing-project.

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City of Peterborough Provides Overflow Shelter Bed Program Update

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The City of Peterborough has updated the Overflow Shelter Bed Program.

File Photo.

The Overflow Shelter Bed Program at 210 Wolfe St. will temporarily relocate to the Peterborough Public Library starting Thursday to allow renovations to begin on the Wolfe Street building. It will be converted into a service hub for people experiencing homelessness who will be living in a new Modular Bridge Housing community. 

The Overflow Shelter Bed Program will operate overnight in the lower level of the Library from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, outside of the regular business hours of the Library at 345 Aylmer St. N., temporarily until the new winter overnight drop-in space operated by One City at Trinity Centre opens this fall. 

With progress underway on the construction and installation of the Modular Bridge Housing community at the Rehill Parking Lot on Wolfe Street, preparations will start on the new hub for homelessness services that will be in the building that is currently used for the Overflow Shelter Bed Program at 210 Wolfe St. 

Occupancy of the Modular Bridge Housing community with 50 units is expected in the fall. 

The Overflow Shelter Bed Program will continue to operate as an overnight emergency shelter used when the main shelters are at capacity.  

There are 106 shelter beds in the shelter system, which includes the three main shelters – Brock Mission, Cameron House, and the YES Shelter – and the Overflow Shelter Bed Program. The Overflow Shelter has 32 beds. Over the last week, an average of four beds have been used and 28 are available at the Overflow Shelter nightly.

Last week, One City and the City of Peterborough announced that they have entered into a three-year agreement for One City to operate a winter overnight drop-in space at the Trinity Centre in the former Trinity United Church at 360 Reid St. One City is completing renovations of its space. When One City opens the winter overnight drop-in space, the Overflow Shelter Bed Program will be closed. There will be no gap in service during the transition between the two programs. 

The winter overnight drop-in space is part of a winter homelessness response strategy and a broader homelessness services plan approved by City Council. 

In addition to the winter overnight drop-in space, One City will operate a year-round daytime drop-in centre. 

The Overflow Shelter Bed Program temporarily operated at the Peterborough Public Library from July 2019 to February 2020, when it relocated to the Murray Street Baptist Church before moving to its current location in a former office building at 210 Wolfe St. in February 2021. 

To access emergency shelter, individuals can use the contact information provided below: 

  • Brock Mission for men, 217 Murray St., 705-748-4766, ext. 1 

  • Cameron House for women, 738 Chemong Rd., 705-748-4766, ext. 2 

  • YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 196 Brock St., 705-748-3851 

  • Overflow Shelter Bed Program, when the main shelters are full, 345 Aylmer St. N. starting September 21 

Individuals without a phone can visit the Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. to connect with available shelter services. 

Individuals can call 705-926-0096 for shelter services outside of regular office hours.

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AON Inc Planning 550 Premier Seniors Development Units On Clonsilla Avenue

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Planning multi-phase apartment buildings, retirement homes and premier seniors development by AON Inc. has begun as part of their AIRWAYS development project at the Kawartha Golf Club, announced on Wednesday.

Brad Smith (left) and Rob Elliot (right) at the site of where the units will be built on Clonsilla Avenue over 22-acres. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 22-acre community will be spread out over up to eight buildings and include many outdoor community amenities according to a press release. Located at the end of Clonsilla Road near Lansdowne Street, the property is off a hilltop which has great views according to Brad Smith, AON President.

“The views from this area are phenomenal,” he explained. “You either have views of the golf course or overlooking the City of Peterborough with all the trees in the area and the views in the fall are spectacular. When I was putting this together, it really fit with our portfolio and the growth of the seniors community.”

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Kawartha Golf Club remains intact during the whole construction process set to begin next year. The proposed units to be built could aid in generating extra income for the club as they look forward to working with AON Inc. according to Rob Elliot, Kawartha Golf Club president.

“The Kawartha Golf Club looks forward to AON Inc. creating this wonderful community and the opportunities that may arise for the Club to integrate with it,” he said.

“There will be nothing in size and variety to compare to this project in Peterborough and the region’s growing seniors’ population will welcome these much-needed residential options including the safety features this community will offer them,” said Smith. “Never have so many senior geared lifestyle options been incorporated into one community. The FAIRWAYS will be a premier community for seniors and AON is excited to commence on the necessary next steps with the City of Peterborough to make this community a reality.”

This is a proposed development of 550 units and must go through the approval processes with the City of Peterborough. At this time, the plan remains a proposal until formally finalized.

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City Council Amends By-Law To Allow Tenting On Wolfe Street Municipal Parking Lot

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After a City Council meeting on Aug. 5, the City of Peterborough’s Parks and Facilities by-law and Trespass by-law has been temporarily amended to temporarily allow tenting on the Wolfe Street municipal parking lot.

There are beds available within the City’s shelter system which includes 106 beds at four emergency shelters. Last week, there was an average of 40 beds available each night including 27 each night at the overflow shelter bed program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The lot is at the southeast corner of Aylmer and Wolfe Street where construction of a new Modular Bridge Housing community on the nearby Rehill Parking Lot is occurring.

Allowing tenting on the secondary parking lot at Aylmer and Wolfe Streets helps create a clear, safe work site for the construction of the Modular Bridge Housing community that will include 50 individual units for people experiencing homelessness according to the City.

Tenting remains prohibited on all other City properties, except Beavermead Campground when permitted.

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Dietrich Homes Nominated For Two Awards Including Builder of the Year

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Dietrich Homes is a finalist for the Ontario Home Builders' Association (OHBA)'s 2023 Awards of Distinction for Builder of the Year (Small Volume) and for Low-Rise Amenity announced on Thursday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Dietrich Homes.

The OHBA Awards of Distinction recognizes the creativity, innovation and excellence of land developers, builders, renovators, designers, marketers and service professionals within the Ontario residential construction industry according to a press release.

“Dietrich Homes is thrilled to be announced as a 2023 Builder of the Year (Low Volume) and Low-Rise Amenity finalist,” said Paul Dietrich, Dietrich Homes owner and builder. “We appreciate the recognition from our Industry peers and colleagues of our team efforts and engagement of our Preferred Vendors to deliver an exceptional product with an outstanding client experience.”

The OHBA's 2023 Awards of Distinction ceremony will occur on Sept. 19 in Collingwood, Ontario.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Makes $50,000 Donation to YES Shelter To Expand Housing

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To expand housing, The Rotary Club of Peterborough has donated $50,000 to the YES Shelter for Youth and Families in a cheque presentation made on Monday afternoon.

This funding is a part of Rotary’s Centennial Celebrations, helping the community in their 100th year of local service. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

This funding allows YES to open three new permanent spaces in their RISE Youth Housing Program. It facilitates the renovation and maintenance of an existing RISE Youth Housing location according to a press release.

“I am pleased to be presenting this cheque for the YES RISE Youth Housing Program to fund a place and program where youth are supported with skills to transition from homelessness and living in a shelter towards living on their own often finishing high school, a college program or into employment,” said Betty Halman-Plumley, Rotary president.

The $50,000 is part of the Rotary’s $100,000 commitment that was made last year.

“The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha is very pleased to partner with the Peterborough Rotary Club in providing funding for YES’ Rise Youth Housing Program,” said Paul Landau, Peterborough Kawartha Club president. “This program ensures that youth in the community have a safe place to live and also learn strategies to support their recovery.”

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City to Build 50-Unit Modular Bridge Housing Community For the Homeless Being Constructed In September

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The City of Peterborough is creating a 50-unit Modular Bridge Housing on Wolfe Street for anyone experiencing homelessness with construction to begin in September.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Several of the individual units are being built off-site before being delivered to the property. Each unit will have access to electricity, a heating and cooling system.

Over the next several weeks, through conversations to identify how support services at the Modular Bridge Housing project will align with each individual’s specific needs, the City will provide offers of accommodation for the new units as stated in a press release.

The units will be a bridge to move people into more permanent housing.

“I'm proud of the progress we've made towards the plan at Wolfe Street, and I think it’s a significant step in the right direction to address the needs of the community, and establish structure and support in the area,” said Councillor Alex Bierk, vice chair of the City's Housing and Homelessness portfolios. “We are meeting people where they are at and have put in a lot of work to collaborate with community partners and create more accessible shelter options.”

Council approved a comprehensive homelessness strategy in May. Part of the strategy includes:

  • The 50-unit Modular Bridge Housing project

  • Opening a new winter overnight drop-in centre

  • Creating a service hub to support the Modular Bridge Housing community

Details are being finalized on the location of the winter overnight drop-in centre that will be open for six months every year and a year-round daytime meal program that will replace the current One Roof community meal program and drop-in centre.

Once the new overnight drop-in centre opens and the Modular Bridge Housing project is ready, the Wolfe Street building will be converted from an overflow shelter program into a service hub to support the Modular Bridge Housing community.

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