New Chambers Street apartment building in Smiths Falls opens to tenants

Geared-to-income options for Lanark County residents on wait-list

LAURIE WEIR

There are now nearly three dozen new homes in Smiths Falls as the Chamber Street apartment building officially opened on Thursday, May 2.

Located at 44 Chambers St. and owned and operated by Carebridge Community Support, the four-story building features 34 homes for those who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, people with physical disabilities, older adults, and women and their children.

Tammy Mulroney, 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. Photo credit: Submitted [Carebridge Community Support].

The project benefited from multiple funding sources, including $3.7M from the federal government through the Affordable Housing Fund, $2.9M from Lanark County, $500,000 from the St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, and $10,000 from the Town of Smiths Falls. Residents began the transition to the new housing in March this year.

The building has eight units that are accessible as are all the common areas.

“Our government remains committed to ensuring fairness for every generation, by investing in more affordable housing. With this new 34-unit housing project, we will be able to provide access to affordable homes to individuals and families in Smiths Falls who need it the most,” said Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Kanata – Carleton, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities during the May 2 opening.

“The official launch of 44 Chambers is a momentous occasion that underscores the power of collaboration,” stated Robert Eves, CEO of Carebridge Community Support (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. (This) 44 Chambers stands as a testament to the shared commitment between Carebridge and Lanark County. He highlighted the potential for transformative partnerships in community development.

Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow said, like communities across the country, Smiths Falls has a dire need for deeply affordable housing.

Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow speak to the importance of affordable housing during the official opening of the apartment building at 44 Chambers St., in Smiths Falls on May 2. Photo credit: Submitted [CMHC Media].

“Although the Town of Smiths Falls has enjoyed a growing population and a very high level of residential construction in recent years, the cost of these units is beyond the reach of the majority of our citizens,” Pankow said. “The project at 44 Chambers St. is a shining example of what is possible when a multitude of partners work together with a common goal of creating beautiful, dignified homes for dozens of people who have been homeless, or are housing insecure. We all recognize that an affordable home is the foundation of anyone’s security and wellbeing and I am forever grateful to everyone, especially Carebridge Community Support, for making this dream a reality for our community.”

Lanark County council has a 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan and recognizes the need for increased access to local affordable housing, as its goal is to increase housing stock and rent-assistance programs during that time.

Warden Steve Fournier (Drummond North Elmsley Reeve) 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.”

The warden added: “The heart of a thriving and prosperous community is access to housing that is safe, affordable and meets people’s needs. Thanks to the combined efforts of our partners, we have created 34 new homes for families in the Town of Smiths Falls. Lanark County has invested over $2.9 million in the construction of this building and has committed to funding operations for 40 years to ensure 28 of these new homes can be rent geared-to-income and help those living in some of the deepest levels of poverty.”