New Downtown Lofts Constructed From Old YMCA Building

The old YMCA on the corner of George Street and Murray Street has finally been converted into upscale loft apartments in a private showing on Thursday.

Hans Jain, Atria president (far right) with staff members at The Black Horse Pub with the new YLofts building. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The lofts known as Y Lofts are owned and built by the Toronto-based company Atria, a development corporation. Hans Jain, Atria president along with staff hosted tours to media and community members with a luncheon at The Black Horse Pub.

Terry Guiel, Downtown Business Improvement Area executive director praised Jain for respecting and honouring the history of the city with YLofts. The building named several room models after familiar Peterborough names such as Chemong, Algonquin and Kawartha.

"They've done their research and show us that they care about this community," he said. "They're not coming in and saying, 'we're a big Toronto firm and come jump on us', they're saying, 'we want to be a part of your community.’"

YLofts occupy the old YMCA location which was first built in 1896. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Councillor Henry Clarke showed his appreciation of the new lofts as it gives easy accessibility to several downtown amenities while revitalizing the area.

"The downtown is the economic engine of the city," he said. "To see this whole section come back to life, it's wonderful."

The Y Lofts range from $1,650 to $2,550 a month. The residence features a courtyard, gym, rooftop patio and communal barbeques as some of several available amenities included in the rent.

Atria has already begun accepting new tenants to be moved in on Sept. 1.

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Federal Government Is Financing $8.5 Million To Help Construct 3-Storey Rental Unit In Peterborough

Maryam Monsef, MP for Peterborough-Kawartha, announced that the federal government is financing $8.5 million to help construct a three-storey, 27 rental unit building located at 888 Whitefield Drive in Peterborough.

The 888 Whitefield Drive development by Parkview Homes is receiving financing through the Government of Canada’s Rental Construction Financing initiative (RCFi), a National Housing Strategy program delivered by CMHC that supports rental housing construction projects. The program encourages a stable supply of rental housing for middle-class families struggling in expensive housing markets.

Maryam Monsef making announement on Livestream Friday, February 5th, 2021

Since 2019, the Government of Canada has now invested nearly $25 million to build housing in Peterborough-Kawartha with other projects at the Brock Mission, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough, and Water Street.

That is in addition to prior housing investments for projects at The Mount Community Centre, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, and Peterborough Housing Corporation’s McRae project.

“COVID-19 has reminded us that nothing is more important than a home,” says Monsef. “As we all do our part to contain the spread, homes have become a sanctuary—a place of safety and refuge in challenging times. Today’s announcement means more than $30 million has been invested by the Government of Canada to renovate, subsidize and build 1,600 housing units in Peterborough-Kawartha. That’s 1,600 families with a safe roof over their head, 1,600 families who get to live, grow, and excel in this community we are all fortunate to call home. And there is more to come.”

“Peterborough has a significant need for more safe and accessible housing,” adds Mayor Therrien. “I would like to thank MP Monsef for her work to push this project forward, as well as CMHC and Parkview Homes for their commitment to providing secure, energy efficient units that meet the needs of our community.”

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MP Monsef Announces $7.6 million To Build 25 Rental Units For Peterborough Families

MP Maryam Monsef has announced that the federal government is financing $7.6 million to help construct 25 residential units located at 3789 Water Street in Peterborough.

The development includes a unique partnership with Kawartha Participation Projects (KPP), who will provide management of the building.

Patrick Cooper, CEO, Kawartha Participations Project, and Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, on-site at 3789 Water Street in Peterborough where 25 residential units are being constructed.

KPP provides housing services and supports to people with physical disabilities living in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton and Northumberland. Five units in the development have been earmarked for KPP clients and will be designed to meet the accessibility needs of tenants.

The development at 3789 Water Street by Greenleaf/Cor-Plan is receiving financing through the National Housing Strategy’s Rental Construction Financing initiative (RCFi), one of the many NHS programs being delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The RCFi supports the creation of new rental housing projects to encourage a stable supply of rental housing.

“The need for housing in our community was great before COVID, and it’s only increased since,” says MP Monsef. “We need innovative partners and solutions to address the housing needs in our community and projects like this one do just that. This partnership with KPP represents the Government of Canada’s continued commitment to investing in both accessible and affordable housing here in Peterborough-Kawartha.”

“Peterborough has a great need for all types of housing,” adds Peterborough Mayor Therrien. “Solving our housing challenges requires innovative solutions and cooperation from all levels of government, as well as private partners. The funding through CMHC will add 25 residential units to our housing stock and will increase density in the North end of our city.”

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More Affordable Housing Within Reach As Construction Kicks Off On Largest Habitat Peterborough Build To Date

More decent, affordable housing is within reach in Peterborough as Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is excited to be kicking off its largest build project to date. 

“We are aware that many people in our community are in need of decent, affordable housing and we are advocates for the solution,” says Sarah Budd, CEO for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “That’s why, unlike our previous build projects, the Leahy’s Lane development is not just for families but open to singles, couples, seniors, and families.”

Located at 33 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough, the three-storey, 41-unit condo development will consist of a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom affordable condos. It will offer an elevator and a fully universal design which will accommodate current or future homeowners’ accessibility needs. Each condo will include appliances and in-suite heating and air conditioning control. In addition, the condos will be energy efficient—making it even more affordable for homeowners. 

Photo courtesy Habitat Peterborough

“Now more than ever, safe and affordable housing is a critical need,” adds Budd. “The local individuals and families we partner with are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between them and better, healthier, more financially stable lives.”

“It was challenging for us to even see ourselves in a home we owned,” says Holly, who along with her husband Wayne applied to own a Habitat condo. “The barrier of renting and living expenses limits us from putting away money towards a down payment. Wayne and I have always dreamt of becoming homeowners, but roadblocks such as a down payment and the rise in the market, have prevented us from making this goal reality. Purchasing a new Habitat home will free us from renting the rest of our lives. It will offer stability and pride of ownership and accomplishment.”

Habitat Peterborough offers families and individuals a hand-up, not a hand-out, by providing a geared to income mortgage and requiring no down payment. They are still looking for more applicants for this innovative development. People interested in partnering with Habitat Peterborough to be a condo owner can sign up for a virtual info session by visiting the website or emailing here to learn more.

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Local Student Wins $10,000 For Habitat For Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

The Meaning of Home is a national writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada that asks students in Grade 4, 5 and 6 to share what home means to them.

More than 10,200 students entered this year’s Meaning of Home contest, and Peterborough student Siena Hopkins-Prest is one of three Grade 6 runners up in the national contest—read her winning entry “What Does Home Mean To Me” here—helping win a $10,000 grant that will go towards Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

These much-needed funds will go towards Habitat Peterborough’s innovative new 41-unit affordable condo building to be built at 33 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough. Construction of the condo building is set to begin in September, and will help local families, singles, couples, and seniors in need of a safe and secure place to call home.

Siena Hopkins-Prest

“Too many families and individuals in our Region are struggling without access to a decent, affordable place to call home,” says Christina Skuce, Director of Philanthropy & Communications with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Siena’s winning entry and the key support of our local youth means that we can help more local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.”

The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor, Genworth Canada. “I’d like to congratulate each of the contest winners and thank all the students who submitted entries on what home means to them,” says Stuart Levings, President and CEO, Genworth Canada. “Since 2007, the Meaning of Home contest has been empowering youth to become engaged and compassionate members of the community while educating them on the importance of affordable housing. We’re proud to be a founding sponsor of this initiative.”

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United Way of Peterborough & District Announces One Of Largest Concerts In Peterborough History

Mic Drop: The United Way of Peterborough & District just announced one of the largest concerts in Peterborough history in order to raise vital funds in the fight against homelessness.

“Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness” takes place at Showplace Performance Centre Thursday, March 5th, and includes the Weber Brothers Band, the Austin Carson Band, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr, Danny Bronson, the Three Martinis, Rick and Gailie’s Peterborough All-Star Band, Hillary Dumoulin, James Higgins, Elyse Saunders, Tami J. Wilde, Jacques Graveline, Phil Stephenson, Nick Ferrio, Jake Dudas, and Victoria Pearce with Mike Graham.

The event is generously sponsored by RBC Royal Bank of Canada, and Megan Murphy and Jordan Mercier will serve as masters of ceremony. A silent auction will feature close to 30 items. General seating will accommodate non-stop performances on the David Goyette Stage and in the Nexicom Studio.

All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to United Way-funded agencies that provide housing and shelter to the marginalized. “I am grateful to Campaign Cabinet Member Paul Rellinger for his leadership in bringing this event to life,” says United Way Campaign Chair David Goyette. “We were all disturbed by the emergence of tent city last summer and it crystallized in us a desire to do better in serving people in need. I know that all our performers and sponsors feel the same way.”

“RBC is pleased to support the United Way of Peterborough and District as the presenting sponsor of Peterborough Performs”, adds Scott Mancini, Commercial Vice-President, RBC. “Homelessness is a prevalent issue in the Peterborough area. This concert will raise both awareness and funds in support of the United Way and local agencies doing great work to develop and implement solutions.”

Tickets are available at the Showplace box office, online at showplace.org, by phone at 705-742-7469, and at the United Way office at 277 Stewart Street in Peterborough.

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Canadian Ice Hut For Sale: Let The Bidding Wars Begin

[UPDATE: Huffington Post picks up our post.]

It's that time of year again to start thinking ice huts—remember this epic one we wrote about last year. If you're looking for one in the Kawarthas to put down on Chemong Lake or wherever, this one below parked in someone's driveway is for sale in Port Perry, Ont. It's $1,500 and in mint condition according to the ad, with full metal base, wood stove and hitch bar. Give'r.

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