Media Release - Opening of Lanark County's Newest Community Housing Building (March 30, 2022)

7 Arthur Street Officially Opens: Lanark County’s Newest Community Housing Building

Lanark County Council joined Warden Fenik and Jim McDonell, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing at 7 Arthur Street, Carleton Place to celebrate the completion and opening of the County’s newest community housing building.

As part of the County’s 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan and under direction of County Council, the 7 Arthur Street residence was constructed. The building contains 15 rent-geared-to- income units and 5 affordable housing units. It contains 4 fully accessible units and consists of 1- and 2-bedroom units to help address the high demand for smaller homes.

Through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) the province invested nearly $1.062 million into the construction of the 7 Arthur Street building. The provincial contribution supported a portion of construction costs for 10 of the 1-bedroom units. OPHI provides flexible funding to all 47 of Ontario’s Service Managers to address local priorities in the areas of housing supply and affordability, including new affordable rental construction, community housing repair, rental assistance, tenant supports and affordable homeownership. The remaining construction cost of about $3.33 million was funded by County reserves.

“Community housing – whether it’s not-for-profit, co-operative or municipally owned – plays a critical role in providing housing for those who are unable to access the private rental market,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Supporting solutions like these new housing units in Carleton Place is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”

Increasing affordable housing options continues to be a primary goal of Lanark County Council. The 10-year Plan recognizes the need for more affordable housing in the community and has ambitious goals to increase housing stock and rent assistance programs over a decade. The County hopes to partner with a not-for-profit organization in its next housing development to increase capacity within other community housing providers. Last month the County issued a request for proposals seeking interest from not-for-profit organizations wishing to create new rent-geared-to-income and affordable housing units in the County and/or the Town of Smiths Falls either through developing new buildings or renovating existing buildings not currently used as residential.

Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor) stated “7 Arthur Street is a superb asset for Lanark County. Affordable housing is a major issue in our community and across the country. Increasing community housing options for individuals and families remains a key priority for Lanark County Council”.