Construction Nears Completion on Peterborough’s New Affordable Housing Building On Monaghan Road

Construction is approaching completion on the City of Peterborough’s new affordable housing building at 681 Monaghan Rd.

The project received $18.9 million in federal funding through the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI3), $40,000 from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Seed Funding program, $1,684,286 through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI), with the City of Peterborough contributing $4 million. City Council decided in February 2023 to use a special one-time dividend from City of Peterborough Holdings Inc. to support its funding for this project. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The six-storey building comprises 53 units including 37 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom units. The ground floor features amenity space and utilities.

The dwelling prioritizes housing for vulnerable populations in Peterborough.

Residents are set to start moving into the building in April. This will be a staged process and the City is assisting with the relocation. Some residents are transitioning into Monaghan Road from transitional housing, thereby freeing up those units for other individuals in need of transitional housing.

“681 Monaghan Rd. is a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in our community,” said Myor Jeff Leal. “This project not only provides safe and stable homes for vulnerable residents but also creates a positive ripple effect, freeing up much-needed emergency housing. We are grateful for the collaboration between all levels of government in making this a reality.”

“This building is about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity for a wide spectrum of residents. With support from all levels of government, we’re taking meaningful steps to address affordable housing needs in Peterborough. This building will make a lasting difference in the lives of many,” said Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Lesley Parnell in a joint statement.

A grand opening celebration for the housing complex will occur this spring.

Construction on 681 Monaghan Rd. began in fall 2023.

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PATH and One City's "Tiny Home" Project Available For Tenancy Starting Friday

Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) and One City Peterborough have completed their first ‘Tiny Home’ project, with tenancy availability opening on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

This project was initiated in September last year following planning approval by the city under its 2023 Additional Rental Unit (ARU) guide. The project was funded by charitable donations from PATH and One City donors and building gifts and materials from Kingdon Timber Mart and Gus’s Kitchen and Bath.

PATH provided design and contract management, along with arranging for 1500 volunteer hours toward the completion of this project, ensuring that the house was completed on time and within budget. The resulting 400-square-foot home is a fully equipped, accessibly designed, affordable private home that adds to One City’s growing supportive housing stock.

One City currently provides housing support to 34 people in their congregate housing program, all of which are congregate housing sites. This project is their first single-occupancy housing unit.

“There is a distinct need for this kind of private accommodation for people who are transitioning from being unhoused,” said Michael Van Der Herberg, One City property development manager. For many people who were previously unhoused, living in a shared space, while cost effective, is not ideal for personal recovery.”

Plans are underway for similar units to be constructed in the coming year at an estimated cost of $100,000 or less per unit, according to PATH. Low-cost construction is key to making these tiny homes affordable. PATH will continue to work with community partners, local builders, and city staff to provide design studies, permit applications and construction support to help make this possible.

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City of Peterborough to Receive Over $10 Million Over Three Years Through the Housing Accelerator Fund

The City of Peterborough will receive $10,690,354 in funding over three years through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF).

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

It is a federal program run by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to support building more housing in Peterborough.

“Housing is a critical need in our community. This funding will help Peterborough build the foundation for greater housing development in our community. I would like to thank the federal government and the CMHC for recognizing the urgency here in Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

A City Council report in March will outline details about the initiatives and next steps.

The City’s HAF Action Plan aims to unlock housing development by providing direct incentives for constructing additional dwelling units, missing middle housing such as triplexes and fourplexes, and affordable housing and making systemic changes to municipal policies and procedures according to the City.

The following is the list of initiatives that make up the City’s Action Plan:

• Reduce or eliminate residential parking requirements;

• End exclusionary zoning and incentivize missing middle housing;

• Increase process efficiency by implementing a public-facing e-permitting portal;

• Implement a Community Planning Permit System;

• Make City-owned land available and foster partnerships to develop housing;

• Formalize processes and resources to support housing innovation and alternative construction methods; and,

• Modernizing the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan.

The HAF grant will cover the cost of implementing these initiatives. Most of these initiatives are scheduled to be completed or implemented this year.

The City has already received 25 per cent of the funding. The remaining installments will be paid out as the City hits key milestones in its goal to issue residential construction permits for 1,410 housing units within the next three years.

This funding follows a successful application by the City during the second round of funding announced by the CMHC.

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Jeff Leal Uses 'Strong Mayor Powers' to Help Expedite Transitional Housing Project

Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal has released a statement regarding using Strong Mayor powers to expedite their 52-unit transitional housing project at Chemong Road.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The following is Leal’s statement:

Today, I used Strong Mayor powers at Brock Mission’s request to help expedite their 52-unit transitional housing project at 738 Chemong Road. When there are opportunities to address our critical need for housing, I will do whatever is within my authority as Mayor to support those projects moving forward for the benefit of our community.

I directed City staff to prepare two bylaws for City Council to consider at a Special General Committee meeting on Monday February 24. The first will amend the City’s Zoning bylaw to facilitate this project, and the second will exempt it from site plan requirements. Using Strong Mayor powers, these bylaws will require 4 out of 11 votes to pass.

Strong Mayor powers were given to the City of Peterborough by the Province in October 2023. I believe that these powers are meant to be used in very specific circumstances - for planning matters that advance important housing developments. This project meets that criteria. Not only will Brock Mission contribute 52 units towards the City of Peterborough’s housing target of 4,700 homes by 2031, but these units will also provide critical supportive housing to help people in our community transition away from homelessness. The team at Brock Mission has made it clear to me that expediting their project will save them time and money and will put them in an ideal position to compete for funding opportunities from the provincial and federal government.

Adding 52 units of transitional housing, run by a capable and trusted provider in Brock Mission, is a crucial next step for our community’s response to homelessness. The City of Peterborough is already more than doubling our funding toward homelessness prevention programs to increase support and enhance services in 2025. Our community supports 127 shelter and drop-in centre beds provided in partnership with community agencies, offering among the highest per-capita provision of shelter beds in the Province. We have made a significant investment in the 50 units offered in the Modular Bridge Housing Community, and recently we learned that Peterborough will be the recipient of a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. 2

But it’s not enough. We have heard from our community partners that some individuals who enter the shelter system or who currently live in the Modular Bridge Housing Community are ready to move to the next level – supportive housing. They no longer need 24/7 supports, but they aren’t ready to live fully on their own. But there are no available transitional housing units in our community, so these individuals are forced to stay where they are, occupying beds that could otherwise go to people who need them. Brock Mission’s project will add 52 units of transitional housing for our community, and in the process will open up 52 spots in our shelter system.

As the recent report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) shows, homelessness across the province has increased by 25% since 2022. Municipalities are not equipped to address homelessness and its related health care, mental health, addiction, and housing issues. Our ability as municipalities to fund these services out of property tax revenue, which is based on property assessment rather than ability to pay, is limited.

Municipalities don’t have the resources to build supportive housing ourselves, but using Strong Mayor powers to expedite the approval of this project is something that is within our control.

Brock Mission’s project has already been endorsed in principle by this Council through our decision to provide them with $250,000 to cover some of the initial costs associated with getting their project off the ground. The proposed location on Chemong Road is in one of our Strategic Growth Areas, which our Official Plan has designated for intensification. Brock Mission’s experience and reputation in our community is well known, and they have clearly signalled to me that they will operate in a way that has minimal impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. The residents will be individuals who have been in a shelter for some time and are ready to take the next step.

This project is critically important for the future health and wellbeing of our community. I ask my Council colleagues for their support.

Yours sincerely,

Jeff Leal

Mayor

City of Peterborough

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City of Peterborough Exceeds 2024 Housing Targets

The City of Peterborough has exceeded 2024’s housing targets, issuing permits for 515 housing units to residential construction developers in 2024, which is over the provincial target of 392 housing starts by more than 30 per cent, reported Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

“As a municipal government, we’re doing whatever we can to facilitate the construction of the housing that Peterborough residents need," said Mayor Jeff Leal. “We're focused on solutions and ensuring housing development moves forward.”

Out of the 515 housing units, 346 were apartment-style units. The City’s total estimated value for constructing the 515 housing units is anticipated to be about $101.2 million.

The Province has set a target of 4,700 new housing units in Peterborough by 2031.

In 2023, the Province assigned a target of 345 housing starts. The City says they exceeded that target by more than 25 per cent, issuing 435 permits to homebuilders that year.

“Surpassing our targets two years in a row demonstrates real progress, but we know there’s still more work to be done,” Leal said. “It’s vital that we keep up the momentum and continue to work closely with residential construction developers, community partners and other organizations to keep progress on track.”

Last year, Leal launched the Mayor’s Task Force for Housing Creation to work with local housing sector experts to develop recommendations to help facilitate the creation of more housing in Peterborough.

On Nov. 5, Leal released a report from the Task Force, highlighting the Task Force’s 15 recommendations to help speed up the pace of housing construction and address the housing crisis. City Council received the report during a Dec. 9 meeting and approved seven recommendations to be implemented immediately. Council directed staff to bring forward a report for further consideration on the remaining eight recommendations in April.

“By working together, we’re taking meaningful steps to help accelerate housing construction and meet the needs of our growing community,” Leal said.

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City Council to Consider Adding 16 Modular Units At Wolfe Street Bridge Housing Community

City Council will consider adding up to 16 modular units at the Modular Bridge Housing Community on Wolfe Street following Monday’s meeting.

File Photo.

The decision is subject to the successful approval of the City's Encampment Response Initiative application and/or the Last Mile Funding from the Province.

The City of Peterborough is applying for two provincial funding programs, the Encampment Response Initiative and the Last Mile Funding Program, to address homelessness and expand housing capacity according to a press release.

On Dec. 13, the City received a notification from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) regarding two newly announced funding programs to address homelessness and support housing initiatives. These programs, the Encampment Response Initiative and the Last Mile Funding Program have business case submission deadlines of Jan. 3 and Jan. 10, respectively.

The need for shelter options for people experiencing homelessness is continuing to increase in the community, says the City. With the new provincial funding programs, provincial funding is likely to cover the expansion cost at Wolfe Street.

The Encampment Response Initiative funds municipalities to expand shelter capacity and develop temporary accommodations for encampment individuals. Eligible uses of this funding include constructing temporary structures such as tiny cabins and sprung shelters, covering operational costs for shelters, and remediating encampment sites. The goal is to provide accessible and urgent housing solutions while restoring encampment sites to safe and usable conditions.

The Last Mile Funding Program is designed to accelerate the completion of near-ready affordable housing projects. It prioritizes projects demonstrating value for money and aligning with the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) guidelines. To qualify, projects must be commitment-ready, with signed contribution agreements within the fiscal year, and shovel-ready, with construction commencing within 120 days of the agreement signing.

Both programs emphasize accountability, requiring municipalities to demonstrate a clear strategy for addressing homelessness, fostering partnerships, and providing regular progress reports. These initiatives are aligned with provincial objectives to ensure safe and stable housing while improving public safety.

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Peterborough's Housing Crisis Continues to Be Problematic Says United Way

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 19th Edition of Housing is Fundamental report that highlights Peterborough’s worsening rental market according to author Paul Armstrong.

Paul Armstrong authored the Housing is Fundamental report annually. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s report analyzes the market and underscores the ongoing challenges posed by housing affordability and accessibility.

Their local key findings include:

• Canada has reached a new low for its vacancy rate at 1.5 per cent

• Peterborough’s vacancy rate remains at 1 per cent

• The average market rent is $1,325 across all units, which is a 6.5 per cent increase from last year

• Three-bedroom units saw the largest increase in average market rents at 7.7 per cent

• The annual income required to afford the average market rent is $53,000

Average Rent In Canada

• Cost ($)

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Average Listed Rents by Unit Type - Feb. 2024

Rent Year-Over-Year Change

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The report also recognized these highlights of the rental market in Canada:

• Canada-wide vacancy rate was 1.5 per cent (Oct. 2023), a new low

• Strong rental demand outpaced supply

• Tighter markets with lower affordability

• Rent growth exceeded average wage growth by a wide margin

• Rent arrears increased from 6.5 per cent (2022) to 7.8 per cent (2023)

• Lower-income renters faced below-average vacancy rates for the least expensive apartments

Armstrong highlighted the contributing issues using data from Statistics Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“When surging rents outpace income increases, something is wrong. When people pay their rent and then find themselves at food banks to eat, something’s amiss,” he said. “When inadequate supply of rental units produces a 1.0 per cent vacancy rate in Peterborough, something has to change. When housing costs are now the primary driver of inflation and 20% of Canadian rental stock is owned by large capital enterprises, something’s inequitable. When homelessness grows, but social housing builds don’t materialize, something’s unjust. The housing crisis deepens with little indication of relief.”

“Housing remains the cornerstone of a healthy and thriving community,” said Jim Russell United Way CEO. “Data is showing us that foodbanks are seeing record high numbers of first-time users. Without stable and affordable housing, individuals face immense barriers in every aspect of their lives, from purchasing food to employment to health. This year’s report is a call to action for all levels of government and community partners.”

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United Way Peterborough & District Announces Upcoming Point-in-Time Count to Measure Homelessness

United Way Peterborough & District’s upcoming Point-in-Time Count, part of a nationally coordinated effort to measure homelessness across Canada, will take place between Nov. 18 and 21, the organization announced on Monday afternoon.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO (left); Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s community impact officer (middle) and Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact (right), Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The Point-in-Time Count comprises of two parts: a 24-hour enumeration and an in-depth survey. The enumeration involves tallying the number of people that surveyors observe experiencing homelessness. Conducting an enumeration over 24 hours will provide Peterborough with a snapshot of the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness in our community says United Way. This enumeration is understood to be a minimum due to the different types of homelessness that cannot be observed, such as couch surfing, which is also referred to as hidden homelessness.

In addition to the enumeration, the in-depth survey will improve the understanding of who is experiencing homelessness in our community. The survey data will provide our community with information about the specific needs and circumstances of people experiencing homelessness in Peterborough at this time.

The survey will ask questions such as:

• Demographics like age, gender, race, sexual orientation, and Indigeneity

• Length and duration of homelessness

• Reason for homelessness

• Health factors

“The Point-in-Time Count is an opportunity to learn directly from those experiencing homelessness in our community,” said Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s Community Impact Officer. “As the PiT Count Coordinator, it is my hope that this research will support housing advocacy efforts, while also reducing stigma.”

This Point-in-Time Count marks the fourth one to have taken place in Peterborough, with previous ones taking place in 2021, 2018 and 2016. United Way expects the data to reflect a stark increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness and the complexity of their situations compared to the 2021 data, said Betsy MacDonald, United Way Director of Community Impact.

“As a community, we have been feeling the effects of rising costs over the last few years. It is anticipated that the 2024 PiT Count will provide us with data that indicates that more people are experiencing homelessness than previously,” she said. “This data is important for us to have as a community because it provides concrete justification for the need for increased resources to be put towards housing services and programs.”

United Way Peterborough & District wants the community to be aware of the Point-in-Time Count activities taking place next week:

• Between the evening of Nov. 18 and the evening of Nov. 19, outreach workers will be walking and biking throughout the City to enumerate and survey people experiencing homelessness

• Surveys will also take place inside of shelters on Nov. 18, as well as during the day on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 at specific community locations

• These surveyors will be wearing identification badges that indicate they are part of the Point-in-Time Count project affiliated with United Way Peterborough & District

• Individuals being surveyed will be offered goods in exchange for their participation

• Surveyors will approach individuals and ask them a screening question to determine their eligibility for the survey.

The individuals are allowed to end their participation in the survey at any time without repercussions.

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Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes Submits Temporary Rezoning Application to City For Affordable Housing

Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) submitted a completed application for a temporary rezoning to the City for affordable housing, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The rezoning is for 385 Lansdowne St. E. and the Peterborough City Planning Department has approved the application. It will be presented to the City Council General Committee on Aug. 26.

A site development agreement pre-consultation has been conducted with City staff, Planning, the Building Department, and Fire Services to establish the parameters for the site's development and operation.

“This is the first step in providing a valuable community resource to address homelessness in the City of Peterborough and will enable us to offer secure, heated sleeping cabins and supporting amenities for 24 unhoused individuals,” said Keith Dalton, PATH board member.

The plan is to build 30 sleeping cabins for unhoused people at the former Peterborough Humane Society building. Habitat KPR has agreed to sign a three-year lease with PATH for the latter to use the tiny homes in April of last year.

The program is currently funded for the first year of operation and PATH will seek support from Peterborough citizens and provincial and federal levels of government to extend this service for three years according to a press release. This is being done while PATH proceeds with its Phase 2 program for community-funded permanent, affordable housing.

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City of Peterborough Gives Public Notice of Intention to Pass By-laws to Establish and Rename Certain Roads

Notice is hereby given that under Sections 31(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O., 2001, c. 25, the City of Peterborough proposes to enact the following by-laws on June 10.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

1. A By-law to rename a portion of lands known as Hillside Street (from Cochrane Crescent to Simons Avenue) to Deline Street; and

2. A By-law to establish the road to be known as Deline Street as a public highway;

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