e x p a n s i o n p la n s It’s no secret that we are in a housing crisis. For the Dufferin and Caledon communities, the current real estate market is defined by skyrocketing rents and unattainable housing prices. Housing stock that is actually affordable is almost non-existent and this situation has only been fueled by the conditions created by the pandemic. More than ever, we at FTP are seeing that many women and children may feel forced to stay in homes and relationships that are unsafe, because of their very real fear of homelessness or poverty. This unfortunate reality for many, including some of the most vulnerable people in our community, inspired us to collaborate with a likeminded not-for-profit agency, Raising the Roof, to develop what we intend to be a thoughtful, affordable, fully accessible and environmentally sustainable housing solution—all on our existing property in Orangeville. We have been working with Raising the Roof and D+H Architects Inc. to design a proposed addition to FTP that will include a mix of single and family units of affordable, transitional housing. FTP has been supporting families through our shelter and Second Stage Housing program for decades and know that it’s time to expand our scope to provide longer term housing opportunities. The vision is an ambitious one and its realization will rely on several interconnected factors including: •
Successful funding applications to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and other granting bodies;
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Support and endorsement from multiple levels of government;
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Support and endorsement from our community and neighbours.
Our aspiration is to build housing, but not just any housing: We want to create both single bedroom and family apartments that are affordable, safe, secure, and accessible, close to transit, amenities and public spaces. Housing that is attached to, but not within, the FTP shelter; where women can be independent but fully connect to any of our counselling, harm reduction, and transitional supports. The proposed expansion will be designed to seamlessly mesh with our existing building aesthetic with environmental sustainability and responsibility at the forefront. The location of this proposed expansion—on FTP’s 20 Bredin Parkway property—will ensure that the many supports available through FTP and our community partners, are accessible to the women and children who live here. The construction of this building is but one puzzle piece in the solution to our complex local housing crisis. We are immensely excited by the opportunities and possibilities this project will generate for families who rely on us, for our community, and our partners. Realizing this vision will require the support and involvement of our entire community and we look forward to continuing to engage our supporters and advocates to bring this project to life.
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