durhamregion.com This Week | Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 4 More than $4 million is being invested in Durham Region to help put a roof over the heads of people who are experiencing homelessness or are in an uncertain housing situation. The funding will create 36 new affordable homes, with 26 in Whitby and 10 in Oshawa. The joint funding from the federal and provincial governments was announced on Wednesday, March 2 by Ahmed Hussen, the federal minister of housing and diversity and inclusion and minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Parm Gill, the provincial minister of citizenship and multi- culturalism, on behalf of Steve Clark, Ontario minister of municipal affairs and housing. The 26 Whitby homes will be used by the Muslim Welfare Residence to provide transitional and supportive housing to women experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. It's at a former motel at 732-740 Dundas St. E. and will be operated by the Muslim Welfare Centre of Toronto. The 10 micro-homes are at the corner of Drew Street and Olive Avenue in Oshawa and will be operated by Durham Region. The units will be for those who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness and those living with mental illness or addiction. The micro-house project will also offer support to residents, including financial assistance, employment services, mental health and addictions supports and life skills teaching. "Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. "Today's funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will go a long way to support those who need it most by quickly providing 36 new affordable homes for individuals and families in need in Durham Region to keep them safe," Hussen said. Gill noted, "It is important for everyone to have a home, no matter their budget." The provincial government has invested $3 billion in housing between 2020 and 2022, Gill added. The two projects are "perfect examples of embracing innovative and modern approaches so that we can strengthen our community housing system," he said. Whitby MPP Lorne Coe said, "This funding will help protect those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Clearly, our government believes every Ontarian should be able to find a home, no matter their budget or background." John Henry, the Durham Region chair, said, "No Durham resident should ever struggle to find a place to call home." The housing will be provided to those on a list compiled by the region for people needing housing, Henry said. Ryan Turnbull, the MP for Whitby, said, "The availability of affordable housing is scarce in our region. These new homes will make a difference in ending the cycle of homelessness and protecting the most vulnerable." Twenty-six housing units are being created in a former motel in Whitby thanks to a $4-million investment by the federal and provincial governments. The units will provide transitional housing to women who are experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless. An additional 10 units are coming to Oshawa. Government of Canada photo NEWS $4M FOR 36 HOUSING UNITS IN DURHAM KEITH GILLIGAN kgilligan@ durhamregion.com Have Your Say! Help Select Playground Equipment For Park Redevelopments Greenfield Park: Located at 72 Greenfield Crescent. View the proposed conceptual park design and complete a survey on the playground equipment by March 28. connectwhitby.ca/GreenfieldPark Wallace Park: Located at 61 Wallace Drive. View the proposed conceptual park design and complete a survey on the playground equipment by April 6. connectwhitby.ca/WallacePark Help Us Build A Welcoming, Accessible And Inclusive Community Now through April 25, the Town is running two short surveys to seek community feedback on accessibility. Your feedback will help us better understand what barriers residents may face when accessing both Town programs and infrastructure so we can work to eliminate barriers and make improvements as we build a more welcoming, accessible and inclusive community. connectwhitby.ca/AccessibilitySurvey Enjoy Free Parking in Downtown Whitby Until April 4 As the weather warms up, take advantage of free parking in Downtown Whitby for a little longer! Do some shopping, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply stroll through the beautiful historic area. Residents are advised paid parking resumes April 4. whitby.ca/Parking Register For Spring Activities Looking to register yourself or a family member for a program like swimming classes, basketball or 55+ art classes? Browse ACTIVE Net and register now. Sessions start March 28. whitby.ca/GetActive Register For The 55+ Health And Wellness Fair Join the Town and special guest speakers on March 30 at the Virtual 55+ Active Living Fair. The free, virtual event features fitness and wellness activities. The first 100 people to register will be able to pick up a health and wellness goody bag! Register at whitby.ca/GetActive Calling All Young Artists! Youth ages 12 to 18 can apply to have their work showcased during our annual Art Attack event, held in partnership with Station Gallery. Application are due by April 15. whitby.ca/YouthEvents P: 905.430.4300 E: info@whitby.ca whitby.ca What You Need To Know This Week: P