Provincial investment will support low-income households in the community
SMITHS FALLS — The Ontario government is providing over $1.63 million to create five affordable housing units in Smiths Falls to support low-income households on the rent-geared-to-income housing waiting list.
Located at 188 Chambers Street, the brand-new building has four one-bedroom apartments and one bachelor apartment. The building and all five units are accessible, with wide doors and hallways. The building is also energy efficient with modern upgrades, including a steel roof. The building opened its doors to residents on June 1, 2023. Residents will be very close to all local amenities, including schools, parks, grocery stores and pharmacies.
The funding was announced by Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government is committed to tackling the housing supply crisis to ensure more Ontarians are able to find a home that meets their needs and their budgets,” said Minister Clark. “Today’s announcement is a good indication of our commitment to support affordable housing that reflects the needs of the community, including here in Lanark County.”
This announcement is a result of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which has provided over $1.2 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
The Ontario government is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs – the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program – bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment to close to $700 million. This includes an increase of $990,100 through the Homelessness Prevention Program for Lanark County, which provides housing services in Smiths Falls, bringing the total to $2.5 million annually.