Thunder Bay — The Ontario government is providing a total of $9,238,000 under the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) to help create a combined 52 supportive housing units in Thunder Bay. Funding will support the most vulnerable individuals, such as those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.
“Our government is making it easier for our partners to build homes of all types, faster,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Increasing community, affordable, and supportive housing is a critical component of our goal to get at least 1.5 million new homes built by 2031, which will help all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, find a home that meets their needs.” The funding, announced at the 401 Donald Street East location, will support four projects:
- Shelter House/NorWest Community Health Centres, 401 Donald Street — $4,179,000 to help create 17 units for individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. The two-storey building is located in the downtown core on the south end of the City of Thunder Bay. The building exterior will be upgraded with new windows, doors and electrical systems to improve the overall energy efficiency. Material choices will be made with the goal of reducing carbon emissions. The front entrance, equipped with a wheelchair lift and a new ramp, will be constructed along the west side of the building to provide a second accessible entrance. The renovations to the existing building will include several private offices for programming, a meeting room, dining space and a clinic area with private exam rooms.
- Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario, 400 Archibald Street — $714,000 to help create 9 units for individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. The single dwelling home is located on the south side of the city of Thunder Bay in the Hyde Park neighbourhood and linked by bus lines, with a bus stop near the property. The property is in close proximity to the Elizabeth Fry office, John Howard Society, other social services, and various shopping outlets.
- St. Joseph’s Care Group/Northern Linkage, 201 Brock Street — $3,045,000 to help create 22 long-term supportive housing units for individuals with mental health issues, with 24/7 support provided by the St. Joseph’s Care Group. Each floor will provide a shared kitchen, dining area, lounge area, a staff room, washrooms, laundry facilities, and storage. The proposed layout was strategically designed to best support the needs of the occupants and assist them with living a productive and independent life while providing the required supports.
- Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, 1040 Huron Avenue — $1,300,000 to help create 4 units for Indigenous individuals with mental health and addiction issues. The lot is located within the urban settlement area of Thunder Bay. The site plan proposes a multi-family complex consisting of two 3-storey apartment buildings containing 12 units per building. To begin, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) will be undertaking construction of 24 units (4 units are HPP funded) with plans to eventually develop 70 housing units in total at the site. The units in the development will meet affordability standards by establishing rents less than 80% of the average market rent, with utilities included.
Today’s announcement is part of the province’s actions that have delivered historic results in getting more housing built faster, and complement nearly $1.7 billion invested in 2023-24 to grow and enhance community and supportive housing and address homelessness for vulnerable Ontarians.
The government has made the largest investment in homelessness prevention in Ontario’s history, adding $202 million in annual funding to the Homelessness Prevention Program and the Indigenous Housing Support Program — a 41 per cent increase that brings the total to close to $700 million. This includes an increase of $10,981,600 through HPP for the District of Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board, bringing the total to $16,549,000 annually, for the next three years.