pecahc.ca - Blog , Uncategorized

New Director Named for the Housing Corporation

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:16:40 -0500

Adam Goheen welcomed to the Housing Corporation.

Prince Edward County has appointed a new director of housing.

The municipality announced on Wednesday that Adam Goheen will take the reins from Charles Dowdall who accepted an appointment to the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board in September.

"Adam has a proven track record of getting things done during his time with the County, drawing on his development experience and negotiation skills," said Marcia Wallace, Chief Administrative Officer. "I am confident in Adam's ability to provide leadership and oversight on various projects that will increase the supply of affordable housing for the community."

Goheen joined the municipality in July 2020 as the Director of Operational Services, overseeing a number of municipal services including road maintenance and rehabilitation, environmental sustainability initiatives, solid waste services, and winter control.

"I am excited to take on this new opportunity," Goheen expressed. "The County has made progress in the area of affordable housing over the past several years thanks to the investments from council and the efforts of many individuals and organizations. While there is still work to do, we have a lot of momentum to build on as we work hard to open doors for members of the community."

The County's Housing Department oversees and implements initiatives that increase the supply of affordable housing and works to facilitate new affordable housing developments. The Director of Housing is the primary liaison with the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation, which supports developers interested in adding affordable housing in Prince Edward County.

"Adam has earned the respect and trust of his colleagues across the municipality," said Mayor Steve Ferguson. "His strong working relationships will allow him to make critical connections and draw on the strengths in many different departments in order to tackle this complex priority." "The Board for the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation looks forward to working closely with Adam to create more housing that makes a long-lasting difference in the lives of County residents," added Phil St-Jean, Board Chair and County Councillor for Picton Ward.

Goheen begins his new role in January 2024. The County will undertake the search for a new Director of Operational Services immediately.

Affordable Housing Tenant Applications

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:42:25 -0400

Tenant Applications Now Open

Get Started Now

Niles Street News

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:17:32 -0400

Work resumes on the Duke Dome Demo.

With inspections and clearances from the Provincial government, we're excited to resume demolition of the former Duke Dome starting Monday, June 5, 2023. We have a demo cam trained on the site, so look for watch the demo cam for regular updates!

Meanwhile, here's the information on resuming the demolition:

The Ministry of Labour has lifted the work stoppage order it issued on the demolition of the former Wellington Arena (“Duke Dome”). Demolition will resume on Tuesday, May 30. Demolition was paused on May 8 after a small amount of asbestos was discovered in the west wall. This asbestos material was not found during earlier abatement work in April.

During the pause, a provincial government inspector attended the site and determined there was no risk to the community, environment, or workers. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health also found no risk to the community.

Further monitoring will continue for the duration of the demolition by a third-party company to ensure all safety requirements are met. The demolition contractor will be adding additional screening on the perimeter fence for the duration of the demolition in excess of provincial government guidelines.

Get Started Now

Niles Street FAQ

Tue, 09 May 2023 14:47:41 -0400

Update May 11 2023

Demolition on the former Wellington Arena began on March 20, 2023. When vermiculite asbestos used for insulation in the concrete blocks of the walls was found, demolition activities ceased while removal of the asbestos was conducted by the contracted company, certified to perform this abatement. A third party company has been monitoring the asbestos levels since it was discovered.

The demolition resumed May 8, 2023 along the west wall as planned, when a small amount of vermiculite was found. Following protocol in excess of provincial requirements, the asbestos was removed at the same time the west wall was taken down. A Provincial government inspector has attended on site, has approved the current abatement protocols and demolition work. The third party contractor which has been monitoring the asbestos levels since March will be conducting additional testing of building materials over the next two weeks. Contractor staff continue to perform all mitigation techniques, and the Housing Corporation is actively working with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Ministry of Labour and the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health to ensure community safety.

ONPHA RELEASES COMMUNITY HOUSING RENEWAL INFORMATION HUB.

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:20:00 -0500

The Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association as launched a hub of information which acts as a resource to housing providers as result of the amendments to the Housing Services Act last year:

"On July 1 2022, changes to the Housing Services Act came into effect as a major component of the Province’s Community Housing Renewal Framework initiative. It has introduced significant changes to the operating environment for community housing, mainly taking effect when a provider’s existing Mortgage or Operating Agreement expires (a.k.a. End-of-Mortgage/End-of-Operating-Agreement).

As changes are announced and introduced, ONPHA has been working to understand and interpret the impacts on the community housing sector now and in the future. ONPHA is here to support the sector and it’s partners to understand and navigate this new reality by providing information and case-by-case advice/consulting.

As part of the transition process, ONPHA has released new guidance documents to help housing providers prepare. To help get started, ONPHA has developed a five-stage process with initial readiness questions to ask themselves. This process will help the sector understand the new system environment and make the transition smoother."

DEMOLITION STARTS MARCH 17th!

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:15:00 -0500

1. Why is the Duke Dome being demolished?

The County's Affordable Housing Corporation is undertaking the safe demolition of the property so one building of 36 affordable rental housing units and 4 3-bedroom townhomes can be built beginning Summer 2023. The Wellington Arena has been closed since December 2010 and was declared surplus and transferred to the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation to develop as new affordable rental housing.

2. How did you decide which company would get this contract?

In compliance with The County's Purchasing By-Law 222-2021 a tender for the demolition was issued, with 26 companies expressing interest in the tender. On January 16, 2023, an on-site meeting was held with 20 companies in attendance for the inspection of the building to prepare a submission in response to the tender. A total of nine proposals were received, reviewed and evaluated. The successful tender was selected based on lowest cost and positive references.

3. Who is going to demolish the building?

Budget Environmental Disposal Inc. of Hamilton Ontario was the successful bid as outlined in report to Council for consent February 28, 2023.

4. Is this going to be dangerous for surrounding residents?

Because it has been unused for so long, the demolition of the building and disposal of all materials must follow the applicable guidelines required by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Prior inspections found there was no asbestos in the building. The contractor will ensure all materials and substances in the building will be removed from the property safely and efficiently. Because part of the roof structure at the east end of the building has become compromised, black mold has been detected around the main entrance interior of the building. The demolition company will ensure that any hazardous material found will be removed safely. The property will be secured by industrial grade fencing around the perimeter of the property.

5. How is this going to affect the Niles Street Neighbourhood?

In the process of building new affordable rental housing for County residents, we will work closely with neighbouring residents to keep them informed and hear their concerns. In the coming weeks we will:

· Go door to door in the immediate area surrounding the building to talk to residents including the Wellington Legion Manor

· Hold a public meeting, in partnership with Budget Environmental Disposal Inc at the Wellington Community Centre to discuss the project with residents (details coming soon)

· Be available by email at eziegler@pecounty.on.ca or phone, 613.922.3785

6. When will the demolition start?

We want the demolition to start and end quickly and as safely as possible. The company will begin their work by March 17 and end by May 7 so the construction of the affordable housing development can begin.

6. I'm interested in memorabilia that may be inside the Arena

Because the building has been closed since 2010, public access is not permitted. There a number of items, however, that we have asked the Company to remove on our behalf. They will remove it all at once, and further details will be available on our website. We will also be speaking with The County and the Dukes Foundation about the hockey memorabilia left in the building. If you are interested, please contact Elis Ziegler at eziegler@pecounty.on.ca or call 613.922.3785.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT - 29 DISRAELI STREET, PICTON

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 14:11:00 -0400

On July 20th, 2022, the Prince Edward County Planning Committee recommended the approval of rezoning the property located at 29 Disraeli Street to permit the construction of affordable housing. This recommendation for approval of the rezoning will be taken to County Council on August 16th. 2022.

The County declared the property as surplus with the Housing Corporation assuming ownership of the property in June 2022. The intention of the Housing Corporation is the construction of a 12 unit multi-residential building comprising of 6 - bachelor units and 6 - one bedroom units. The Housing Corporation is working in partnership with Mohawks Bay of Quinte (MBQ) where 50% of the units will be specific for indigenous youth between the ages of 18 and 30 who are working in the County. A Site Plan and architectural design are currently in the process of being completed for public discussions and input at public information sessions to be scheduled in the early fall.

Construction of the development is projected for Fall 2023 with a projected completion date for occupancy in late 2023. The public will be informed of further details and dates of public meetings as the process for development moves forward.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE DUKE DOME INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 14:09:00 -0400

A public session was held on July 13th, 2022 at the Wellington Community Center to allow residents an opportunity to see what is planned for the site of the prior Duke Dome. The property was declared surplus by the County and sold to the Housing Corporation in August 2021 for the development of affordable housing.

The proposed site plan calls for the demolition of the current structure to be replaced with a 36 unit multi-residential building comprising of 18 - one bedroom units, 17 - two bedroom units, and 1 - three bedroom units. All 36 units will be affordable rent meaning that the rent will be 20% below the median market rent for Prince Edward County as per CMHC guidelines under their National Housing Strategy programs. In addition, the site will provide 4 - 3 bedroom family townhomes, again with all townhomes being affordable as per CMHC guidelines mentioned above.

An application for rezoning of the property is scheduled for review and decision with the County of Prince Edward Planning Committee on Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 commencing at 7:00 pm. Members of the public can make comment on the application either through written submission or virtual attendance by contacting Matt Coffey (mcoffey@pecounty.on.ca) prior to the meeting.

The projected timeline is for construction to commence in early 2023 with a completion date for occupancy in the summer of 2024.

PUBLIC MEETING ON JULY 13TH, 2022 REGARDING THE WELLINGTON ARENA

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:07:00 -0400

NOTICE: Public meeting for rezoning and site plan application

230 Niles Street (Wellington) on July 13

An in-person public information meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 13 at 7 pm for a proposed affordable housing project in Wellington.

The Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation has submitted applications for a Site Plan Control and Zoning By-law Amendment to Rezone the subject lands from Institutional (I) Zone to Special Urban Residential Type 3 (R3-XX) Zone.

The proposed project would create a 36-unit apartment building along with four townhouse units on the site of the former Wellington Arena at 230 Niles Street in Wellington.

The meeting will take place at the Wellington and District Community Centre (111 Belleville Street, Wellington).

Materials for each of the above applications can be viewed on The County's website.

New Planning Application Process

This public meeting is an information meeting only. Public information meetings are held as part of the updated planning application process approved in 2021.

At a public information meeting, the proponent/agent presents the proposal. If any member of the public would like to ask questions or make comments, they can do so after the presentation by the applicant.

The statutory public meeting required under the Planning Act will be a Planning Committee meeting and would only be held after the public information meeting and when the assigned County planner has completed an analysis of the project.

If you have questions about the upcoming meeting, contact Matthew Coffey, Planning Coordinator, Approvals, at 613.476.2148 extension 2032 or email mcoffey@pecounty.on.ca.

HOUSING CORPORATION APPOINTS FOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:04:00 -0400

At the May 24th Board meeting of the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation, four new board members were appointed for a two-year term. Each board member chosen has considerable experience in the development of affordable housing, have a strong connection with the County, and is passionate about addressing the crisis of a lack of affordable housing in the community.

The four board members that have been appointed to the Housing Corporation are:

Rebecca Loewen - Senior Executive Advisor - the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking

Katherine Chislett - Commissioner, Community and Health Services, York Region and President of Housing York Inc.

Joyce Barretto - Senior executive in corporate services delivery, project leadership, change management, board governance, regulatory administration.

Gunta Mackers - Vice-President Design of Metrolinx and member of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation's Design Panel Review.