Barrie, Central Ontario communities 'celebrate' affordable housing cash
Eight affordable housing developments from Orangeville to Gravenhurst receive $12.4 million in funding

Simcoe.com
July 25, 2017
Chris Simon

Richard Kennett moved to Barrie for the most important reason he could think of, family.

The former Mississauga resident and his wife of more than 50 years, Eleanor, took up residence at Penetang Place, an affordable housing complex in the city’s east end, recently. They relocated primarily to be closer to their daughter, who lives in neighbouring Innisfil.

“We were shocked by the unit we have,” he said. “We appreciate it so much. It’s unbelievable for my wife and I to have a place to call home (here). We figure we’re very lucky to get in. We’d probably be on a wait-list elsewhere.”

Penetang Place opened 1.5 years ago and is home to 45 seniors and adults with disabilities.

But this couple, specifically, seems content. Their ground floor patio is decorated with several pots of flowers and there is seating for many guests. It is a corner unit that faces the road and main driveway.

“We can’t just put seniors into a building and expect them to have a good life,” property manager Charlene Cox said. “We have to provide the supports necessary for an active, independent life.”

It’s also a goal provincial and federal politicians are hoping to help other residents across Central Ontario achieve in the coming years.

Representatives from the Canadian, Ontario, County of Simcoe and Barrie governments were on hand July 25 to celebrate $12.4 million in funding provided to eight affordable housing developments in the region, including two sites in Barrie and facilities in Orangeville, Shelburne, Penetanguishene, Gravenhurst, Huntsville and Orillia.

The cash, which has already been allocated, provides 123 affordable housing units for the area.

“People need to be near their families; housing costs shouldn’t stand in the way of that,” Toronto-area MP Adam Vaughan, on behalf of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, said. “Building housing saves us money and generates great economic growth. The investments we’re making are going to be game-changers in certain communities. Can you fix it overnight? No. It took us 25 years to get to this crisis. (But) we’re going to get there.”

The provincial and federal governments have each committed another $168 million in funding for affordable housing in Ontario over the next two years, Barrie MPP Ann Hoggarth said.

“We are transforming Ontario’s social and affordable housing system to one … that helps people live as independently as possible in their community,” she said.

Mayor Jeff Lehman said the city has one of the highest rental rates in the country.

“It’s quite shocking,” he said. “There’s not enough rental housing being built. When you go to look for an apartment as a senior in Barrie, you’re faced with a monthly rent that is unaffordable.”

Both Barrie and the county have approved affordable housing strategies over the past few years. The plans call for the construction of 2,685 new affordable units in the county by 2024. Barrie’s target is set at 840 units.

So far, the county has created more than 540 units; the city has built nearly 130.