pecahc.ca - Blog by ezieglerpecahc.ca - Blog by ezieglerhttps://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/author/ezieglerSun, 12 Apr 2026 13:33:03 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[New Director Named for the Housing Corporation ]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/new-director-named-for-the-housing-corporation

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.

]]>Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:16:40 -0500<![CDATA[Affordable Housing Tenant Applications]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/Application-Launch

Tenant Applications Now Open

Applications for our affordable housing units are now open, and interested County residents are invited to attend one of four information sessions. 


More information can be found on the Apply page on this website.


 Please contact us for any questions about the application.  


No registration required. Feel free to bring a laptop, tablet, phone and pen. 

Get Started Now
]]>Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:42:25 -0400<![CDATA[Niles Street News]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/niles-street-news

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
]]>Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:17:32 -0400<![CDATA[Welcoming St. Greg students to Council]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/welcoming-st.-greg-students-to-council

St. Gregory Grade 8 Students Impress Council May 25, 2023

The Housing Corporation met with Grade 7 and 8 students at Picton's St. Gregory's Elementary School in February 2023 about housing issues in The County. The students then created a great presentation to Committee of The Whole May 25, 2023 on housing and economic development issues benefitting County residents. Seen here, students Paulina Mayall and Violet Dickie made an excellent presentation and answered Councillors questions. The students were supported by Principal Tracy Thomlinson and Teacher Nicholas D.  DiTimaso, and welcomed by Mayor Steve Ferguson, Director Chuck Dowdall (far left) and Housing Staff Elis Ziegler (far right).  We look forward to future connections with County Youth and congratulations again to the class and presenters!
Get Started Now
]]>Thu, 25 May 2023 13:59:28 -0400<![CDATA[Niles Street FAQ]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/we-re-almost-ready1Demolition on the former Wellington Arena began on March 20, 2023. When vermiculite asbestos used for insulation in the concrete blocks of the walls w ]]>

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. 


]]>Tue, 09 May 2023 14:47:41 -0400<![CDATA[Demo FAQ #3: Demolition starts March 20]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/demo-faq-3-demolition-starts-march-20

We're excited to confirm that the demolition of the Duke Dome will begin March 20. 


The work will begin today, March 17, with the delivery of heavy-duty excavators are by float trucks. Road closures won't be needed. 


Then, on Monday morning the 20th, the fences will be delivered to the site and erected on the perimeter of the property. From that point there will be absolutely no access by the public.


The demolition will start Monday afternoon at some point from West to East in a staged approach.


The original end date for the demolition was May 7th, but the  the contractor is very confident that the work will be completed by April 17th, three weeks ahead of schedule.


The County's By-Law Division have issued warnings to vehicles that have been parked in the parking lot without authorization. Any unauthorized vehicle in the parking lot on Monday morning will be towed and impounded and the owner is responsible for the associated costs.


The Housing Corporation will be installing a live feed demo-cam to provide a "live" feed of the demolition so residents can go online and see the demolition in process from the comfort of their home. The camera is also a security camera to monitor any activity outside of the work being done.


The work will be completed between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday with no work being done on weekends. 


In addition to the neighbourhood canvassing and community discussions at Wellington Manor Lodge and the Community Centre, the Affordable Housing Corporation will continue to be available to area residents to answer any questions.

]]>Fri, 17 Mar 2023 12:35:00 -0500<![CDATA[March 31 Deadline: One-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/march-31-deadline-one-time-top-up-to-the-canada-housing-benefitAre you a low income renter? Did you know you have until March 31 to get your one-time $500 benefit from the Government of Canada? You have to...]]>

 Are you a low income renter? Did you know you have until March 31 to get your one-time $500 benefit from the Government of Canada? You have to:


1. have been at least 15 years old as of December 2022, resident of Canada and filed your 2021 income tax return


2. have income of $20,000 or less as a single, $35,000 or less as a family


3. have rent paid in 2022 which was at least 30% of your household income


4. Have direct deposit set up to get the benefit


Get all the details at The Government of Canada Page!

]]>Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:22:00 -0500<![CDATA[ONPHA RELEASES COMMUNITY HOUSING RENEWAL INFORMATION HUB.]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/onpha-releases-community-housing-renewal-information-hub

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."

]]>Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:20:00 -0500<![CDATA[DEMOLITION STARTS MARCH 17th!]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/demolition-starts-march-17th

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.

]]>Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:15:00 -0500<![CDATA[WELLINGTON DEVELOPMENT UPDATE]]>https://www.pecahc.ca/blogs/post/wellington-development-updateWe're getting ready to start on our first work toward more affordable housing for County residents! Here are some answers to questions we've been hearing...]]>

We're getting ready to start on our first work toward more affordable housing for County residents! Here are some answers to questions we've been hearing: 


1. How did this development come about?

The County established the Affordable Housing Corporation, with an independent board of directors which was formed in 2019. The old Wellington Dukedome at 230 Niles Street operated from 1974 to 2010, until it was de-commissioned in 2010 when the Wellington and District Community Centre was built and opened. The building was declared surplus by The County and sold to the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation (PECAHC) in August 2020 for the purpose of developing affordable housing on the site. 


2. How much housing will there be on this site? 

There will be 36 units in a multi-residential building consisting of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, as well as 4 wheelchair accessible 3 bedroom town homes on the property. 


3. What kind of housing will this be?  

The development will provide 100% of all units as affordable, meaning that the rent will be at least 20% below the median market rent for the community as per CMHC guidelines:

  • 1-bedroom unit $740.00 
  • 2-bedroom unit $920.00
  • 3-bedroom unit 1,200.00 

These units are not part of the social housing portfolio ('subsidized housing') administered by PELASS (Prince Edward Lennox-Addington Social Services). They are intended for residents of the County who are working and making a "living wage" but cannot afford the current market rents being charged in the community or seniors who are on a limited pension income.


4. How do I apply to live in this housing?

An application process will be available in the coming months for County residents. If you would like to be on the mailing list to be notified when it's ready, please subscribe on the home page or email Housing Programs Assistant Elis Ziegler at eziegler@pecounty.on.ca.


5. Who is paying for this development? 

The associated costs for the construction of this development are being paid for by the Housing Corporation with funding in part from the federal government, not from The County local tax base. The Housing Corporation is an independent non-profit corporation with an independent Board of Directors. 


6. What about demolishing the building safely?

The Affordable Housing Corporation is tendering the safe demolition of the property along with the municipality so we can proceed with construction. The Wellington Arena has been inactive since its closure in December 2010. As a standard measure for any demolition of an inactive building, the tender has included a requirement as required by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks that the demolition must undertake the necessary steps to ensure that any hazardous materials contained within the structure are disposed of in a prescribed manner. The Affordable Housing Corporation will be holding a consultation with immediate neighbours as part of the demolition process to answer any questions and will continue to work with neighbourhood residents during this transition to new permanent affordable housing for County residents.

]]>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:32:00 -0500