Ontario Providing More Affordable Housing in Smiths Falls

Provincial investment will support low-income households in the community

July 12, 2023

Municipal Affairs and Housing

Table of Contents

  1. Content
  2. Quick Facts
  3. Quotes
  4. Additional Resources

SMITHS FALLS — The Ontario government is providing over $1.63 million to create five affordable housing units in Smiths Falls to support low-income households on the rent-geared-to-income housing waiting list.

Located at 188 Chambers Street, the brand-new building has four one-bedroom apartments and one bachelor apartment. The building and all five units are accessible, with wide doors and hallways. The building is also energy efficient with modern upgrades, including a steel roof. The building opened its doors to residents on June 1, 2023. Residents will be very close to all local amenities, including schools, parks, grocery stores and pharmacies.

The funding was announced by Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Our government is committed to tackling the housing supply crisis to ensure more Ontarians are able to find a home that meets their needs and their budgets,” said Minister Clark. “Today’s announcement is a good indication of our commitment to support affordable housing that reflects the needs of the community, including here in Lanark County.”

This announcement is a result of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which has provided over $1.2 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

The Ontario government is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs – the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program – bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment to close to $700 million. This includes an increase of $990,100 through the Homelessness Prevention Program for Lanark County, which provides housing services in Smiths Falls, bringing the total to $2.5 million annually.

Quick Facts

  • Lanark County was allocated $7.4 million through all phases of the Social Services Relief Fund to deliver critical services such as shelters, food banks and emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Service managers and Indigenous program administrators have the flexibility to allocate provincial funding to programs and services that address and prevent homelessness in their communities, such as rent supplements, homeless shelters, and supportive housing including capital projects.

Quotes

“The investments made in Affordable Housing have a very real impact on the future of communities throughout Lanark Frontenac Kingston. The residents of 188 Chambers Street will have a safe, welcoming place to call home and that can make all the difference in addressing the challenges and opportunities that each new day brings. 188 Chambers Street is the result of a collaborative effort with the support of Minister Clark and provincial funding that keeps affordable housing projects moving ahead in communities throughout Ontario.”

– John Jordan
Member of Provincial Parliament for Lanark Frontenac Kingston

“Housing options, like 188 Chambers Street is a much-needed asset for Lanark County. Affordable Housing is a significant issue across the country and in our community. Lanark County Council remains committed to increasing affordable housing options for individuals and families.”

– Peter McLaren
Warden of the Township of Lanark Highlands

“As Service Manager, Lanark County remains focused on achieving its goals outlined in the 10-year housing and homelessness plan. Completion of this project is one step in that process. We believe that partnering with other levels of government, non-profit organizations, and developers is the necessary path forward. This project was made possible due to a partnership which included a provincial capital investment and the County’s long-term operational commitment. Lack of housing is a nation-wide crisis; the County is dedicated to doing its part to increasing affordable housing options for the local community.”

– Kurt Greaves, Service Manager
CAO Lanark County

Additional Resources