Media Release: Opening of 44 Chambers St

For immediate release

May 3, 2024

Lanark County’s Newest Community Housing Building:
44 Chambers Street, Smiths Falls

Lanark County Council joined the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow and County Warden Steve Fournier at 44 Chambers Street in Smiths Falls to celebrate the opening of the County’s newest community housing building.

The Carebridge Community Support Chambers Street residence was constructed and has opened its doors to its new residents following commitment from Lanark County council. The building contains 34 units, 28 of which are rent-geared-to-income including 21 one-bedroom units, 6 two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit. 44 Chambers will benefit from the County’s 40-year commitment to deeply affordable rent, which aligns with the County’s 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan to increase access to affordable housing and strengthen its partnerships with local Non-Profit Housing Corporations.

The project benefited from multiple funding sources, including a $2,927,800 investment from Lanark County, along with funding from the federal National Housing Co-Investment, Carebridge Community Support, Lanark Community Alliance, St. John’s the Evangelist, and other sources.

"The official launch of 44 Chambers is a momentous occasion that underscores the power of collaboration," stated Robert Eves, CEO of Carebridge Community Support (A member of Lanark Community Alliance). "Lanark County has been instrumental in making this vision a reality, not only by supporting the construction of the facility but also by actively participating in its operational success.”

Lanark County council remains committed to its 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan and recognizes the need for increased access to local affordable housing. The County has ambitious goals to increase housing stock and rent assistance programs over the next 10 years and is currently in the proposal process to award $1.5 million in municipal dollars for the development of new affordable housing units in Lanark County or the Town of Smiths Falls.
“44 Chambers stands as a testament to the shared commitment between Carebridge and Lanark County” said Eves, highlighting the potential for transformative partnerships in community development.

Warden Fournier (Reeve of Drummond North Elmsley) stated “Affordable housing continues to remain a significant crisis across the province and Lanark County, one that has ramifications for all residents but most significantly those that are most vulnerable. The heart of a thriving and prosperous community is access to housing that is safe, affordable and meets peoples needs. Thanks to the combined efforts of our partners, we have been able to create 34 new homes for families in our community.”

From Left to Right: Tammy Mulroney, Representing St. John’s the Evangelist Anglican Church, Robert Eves, CEO, Lanark Community Alliance, Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow, Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Lanark County Warden Steve Fournier.

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For more information/media interviews, contact: Emily Hollington
Director of Social Services
Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 2101