Construction underway on unique supportive housing facility in Barrie after years of delays
Construction on a unique multi-million-dollar supportive housing project for struggling families is well underway in Barrie.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The new development behind the Salvation Army's Citadel Church on Lillian Crescent will provide temporary comfort for families in crisis.
The soon-to-be two-storey, 12-unit, fully furnished housing project is a joint initiative between Redwood Park Communities, a Barrie-based charity, and The Salvation Army.
"It's got a massive family room at the beginning to really foster community and social interaction with the families. Each of the units are two-bedroom units, and four of the units are fully accessible," said Timothy Kent, CEO of Redwood Park Communities.
Officials say the project had been in the works for some time, but pandemic lockdowns and increasing costs resulted in delays.
Families staying at the facility will also have access to support from outreach workers and others with similar struggles.
The Salvation Army's executive director Bruce Shirran said the city's need for such a facility is "tremendous."
"The reality is for us is that we're at our full capacity, and of course, we still have families out there looking for shelter, looking for places to stay," Shirran said. "Our present program is being operated out of hotel rooms and apartment units. So, we're really enthused about this project moving forward."
Officials hope to have families moving in by late summer or early fall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.