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
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.