Durham Region has an urgent need for affordable housing and supportive housing.
In July of 2020, Durham Regional Council voted to expedite the development of two new projects to help address the needs of Durham’s unsheltered residents, which were highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis: a modular housing project in Beaverton, and a micro-homes pilot project in Oshawa.
Beaverton Supportive Housing Project
A new modular housing development in Beaverton will provide approximately 50 housing units, while offering supports and wrap-around services to residents in the north and the greater Durham community.
The Region will use funds from the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) to construct the housing project. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provided funding approval under the Canada-Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (Year 2) on September 14, 2020.
To expedite the development process, the Region is pursuing a modular construction technique that has seen significant success in western Canada and is growing in popularity in Ontario.
Residents will have access to wrap-around services to promote life stabilization. The Region also understands that there is a lack of support services in north Durham and that the community needs access to various supports close to home. This project will include a service hub for all residents of north Durham to access needed support services.
OrgCode Consulting, Inc. was retained by the Region of Durham to provide an objective and independent study of the new supportive housing development. View the Beaverton Supportive Housing Suitability Study.
Updates:
- Public Information Session Feedback Summary Report - November 13
- Durham Region shares suitability study for Beaverton Supportive Housing project - October 30
- Virtual Information Session Recording (under Other Live Events) - October 29
- Beaverton Supportive Housing Presentation - Council - October 28
- Beaverton Supportive Housing Presentation - Health and Social Services Committee - October 8
- North Durham residents invited to give feedback on needed local support services - October 8
- New Beaverton development to bring supportive housing to north Durham - September 10
Housing with 24/7 Supports
Life circumstances—such as family breakdown, abuse, job loss, addictions or mental health challenges—can bring someone to be in crisis, without a place to call home. This happens to people in cities and in smaller communities. When this happens, people need support and they need shelter.
Wrap-around supports to an individual living within a community means enhancing access to support services, establishing trust and rapport, and providing increased opportunities to meeting their needs because services are available when they need them.
Generally, wrap-around services include:
- On-site meals in a dining hall
- Mental health and addictions support
- Medical and dental care (virtual and/or on-site)
- Financial assistance such as Ontario Works, ODSP and/or other financial benefits
- Rental and tenant support
- Life skills teaching/counselling
- Employment services
This housing development will also include Wi-Fi access for tenants.
These on-site services allow for people to get the assistance they need, close to home. This helps to improve their overall quality of life and increases opportunities for success by clearing a pathway for them to become contributing members of the communities in which they live.
Modular Housing
Modular housing consists of prefabricated units that are built indoors in a factory. They are then transported to the site for assembly. This approach is considered a faster and a more cost-effective construction option than conventional construction methods.
Modular housing developments have seen great success in other jurisdictions, such as British Columbia.
Video: Tour of Naomi Place Supportive Housing Residence in Vancouver
What will it look like?
The surrounding buildings and local architecture have been considered in the design of the Supportive Housing buildings. Sloped roofs provide a residential feel and a distinctive yet contextual development that blends with adjacent buildings. The exterior finishes include simple and natural materials, selected to provide a durable, tactile, and attractive design.
Sustainability
The Region of Durham is committed to protecting the environment through leadership in sustainability and addressing climate change. This development is designed to run on solar energy and electric power to help reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The Region is also exploring other sustainability components for this project. This includes on-demand/tankless electric water heaters and a tighter envelope seal and higher R-value to reduce energy consumption, as well as the installation of solar panels on the roof to help offset electricity costs. Once confirmed, information about environmental initiatives will be noted on our website.
Why Beaverton?
There is a lack of housing in Durham that offers on-site supports. This means individuals, in need of shelter and supports, are forced to move to where the services are located. This development will provide opportunities for those living on-site, as well as anyone in the north Durham community, to access needed services locally.
This exciting housing development in Beaverton is not just about a modern building or residence. This calm, rural setting can offer a needed change of pace to residents looking for not only a home, but also a place to feel secure, supported and part of a community. This development will contribute to Durham Region’s larger goal to end homelessness by 2024.
In addition, this location will provide space for needed community resources to serve all residents in north Durham.
The building will be located on Regional land at 133 Main Street in Beaverton—beside Lakeview Manor long-term care home. This location offers the opportunity for the Region of Durham to identify cost savings through shared resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Watch our Q&A video series with Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou, Commissioner of Social Services
Is supportive housing the same as a shelter or mental health facility? |
Supportive housing means housing with supports—where residents will have 24/7 access to on-site services and supports. This is not a shelter—it is an apartment building that will offer full-time tenancy for Durham residents who qualify for this type of housing, while offering wrap-around services to set them up for success. Shelters are designed to provide temporary emergency shelter to individuals who have lost housing and have no other place to stay. The Regional Municipality of Durham does not have emergency housing other than through emergency shelters. This is a full-time residence—an apartment building with self-contained units. Residents living in these units are supported by access to on-site services, such as medical/dental, employment support, and meals in a dining hall. These on-site services help to ensure they find a high quality of life in a safe environment, so they do not return to homelessness. |
Where will people come from who will live in this development? |
While we recognize that Durham has a lack of housing units providing on-site supports, north Durham residents lack options within their own community. This project provides the opportunity for north Durham residents to access housing in the area that they already call home and for others to experience the benefits that Brock Township offers. We will prioritize the unsheltered residents of north Durham who require the level of service that we will be providing. Tenants will be selected based on a number of criteria, including housing and support needs. Criteria outlines that needs must align to the supports provided. Tenancy is voluntary and support agreements will be in place with an understanding of tenant obligations and rules. |
How many people are experiencing homelessness in north Durham? |
In 2020, there have been over 100 residents in North Durham that have reached out to the homelessness support system for help in obtaining housing. There are also residents that are precariously housed or at risk of homelessness due to support requirements. These households often are not included in these figures as they may not have reached out to the homelessness support system yet. In 2020, there has been more than 65 residents in North Durham that have reached out to the homelessness support system for case management to help them maintain their housing. |
How many people will live in the building? |
Units are designed for single, bachelor-style living only (including seniors). The development will include approximately 50 units, as supported by Regional Council. There are different housing options available in Durham Region for families and couples. The number of units is based on models in other jurisdictions that have or are using modular development. The total number of units will depend on factors such as unit sizes and amenity space within the building. Although this project is being developed as housing with 24/7 supports, a mix of tenants with various support needs will be housed at this site to promote a healthy, manageable environment. |
What is the success rate for individuals in this type of setting? |
This is a program informed by Housing First and Harm Reduction principles, and caters to each individual in an inclusive and holistic way. Housing First is a recovery-oriented approach to homelessness that involves moving people who experience homelessness into independent and permanent housing as quickly as possible, then providing them with additional services and supports as needed. Permanent housing has become a widely considered evidence-based practice, and is all part of our larger goal to end homelessness in Durham Region. |
Why was this site selected for this development? |
This exciting housing development in Beaverton is not just about a modern building or residence. This calm, rural setting can offer a needed change of pace to residents looking for not only a home, but also a place to feel secure, supported and part of a community. This development also provides an opportunity for clients currently located in the north to stay in the community that they already call home. As an outcome of the Affordable and Seniors’ Housing Task Force Report recommendations, the Region reached out to the federal/provincial government, school boards and municipalities to identify surplus land that could be used for the development of affordable housing. Five sites were identified (3 Regional, 1 Oshawa, 1 Clarington) and have been posted online since 2018. All sites were considered, as well as local sites currently for sale in the private market, and sites not currently for sale where acquisition could be pursued. In total, more than 50 options were identified and evaluated. This surplus land, already owned by the Region of Durham, was identified as a candidate site for affordable housing development in 2018. Preliminary studies have been completed and the site is appropriately zoned, making this location an excellent candidate for an expedited development project. Plus, this project will bring much needed services to the greater north Durham community: services such as counselling and mental health resources, medical services and social services. |
What is the timing of the project? |
It is anticipated that the units will be ready for occupancy in 2021. Although the projects have been expedited to provide much needed housing, this has not come at the expense of due diligence. With respect to the housing development, the Region has been compiling a list of potential affordable housing sites since 2017, as a result of the recommendations of the Affordable and Seniors’ Housing Task Force. The Region is also benefiting from the work of other jurisdictions who have or are currently developing housing projects, by applying lessons learned. |
Why is this project expedited? |
Time is of the essence. There is an urgent need for housing with 24/7 supports now for both adults and seniors. Accelerating the housing project will be accomplished by using a modular structure design and utilizing appropriate land already zoned. The time it would take in purchasing land, assessment and zoning would increase the homelessness need in Durham Region. This will help us achieve our goal of ending homelessness by 2024, as outlined in Durham Region’s housing plan, At Home In Durham. This plan includes a commitment to increasing the supply of affordable rental housing units; with a goal of initiating 1,000 new units by 2024. |
Living in the north is a lot different than the south. How will you keep tenants from feeling isolated both physically and emotionally? |
The project will focus on working with residents in creating an intentional community to combat isolation and foster a healthy, safe home for everyone. The establishment of a Residents’ Committee will give residents a strong role in shaping their community. This is a program informed by Housing First and Harm Reduction principles, and caters to each individual in an inclusive and holistic way.
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I’ve heard, through the media, of issues with temporary homeless shelters. What precautions are being taken to ensure those same issues don’t happen here? |
While this building is not a temporary homeless shelter, resident issues like mental health, addiction or violence could be a reality. The Region of Durham recognizes that all issues cannot be avoided, and we have a plan to address these situations should they arise. Support will be available to residents on a 24/7 basis to mitigate or eliminate these issues. Our goal is to set residents up for success. |
What services are available to residents of the building and what services are available to the larger north Durham community? |
Durham Region has established an Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from agencies serving the north, which will help to inform the on-site supports. The Region will also consult with the north Durham community to determine community gaps/needs for services. This project provides the opportunity to create efficiencies in the provision of support services in the north that will benefit all residents. Although a comprehensive list of supports has not been finalized at this time, services that will be available are:
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Are residents required to take part in/make use of all the services provided? |
Tenants living in the development are not required to take part in the services provided but are encouraged to do so. By offering services on-site—so they do not have to travel to them—we are setting people up for success. |
What transit will be available? |
With supports provided on-site, there will be minimal need for individuals to go elsewhere for services. When needed, on-demand transportation can be used. On Demand services were expanded to Brock Township in 2019 by Durham Region Transit (DRT) to ensure the public transit network in Durham Region is a viable option for residents, regardless of where they live. On Demand is a flexible and convenient option to help you connect to scheduled service or take you where you want to go when scheduled service isn’t an option. Taking On Demand is easy:
DRT also offers Specialized Services for customers who do not have the ability to use scheduled service (eligibility requirements apply). To see a complete list of scheduled service routes, visit Our Services. Stay up-to-date on DRT service–including On Demand–by visiting the Planning your travel page of durhamregiontransit.com. DRT booking agents are also happy to answer any questions you may have. Call 1-866-247-0055 to learn more. |
How will residents get to stores for things like groceries or medicine? |
Meals will be provided to tenants on-site, and pharmacy delivery will be available. With supports provided on-site, there will be minimal need for individuals to go elsewhere; where needed, on-demand transportation will be used. There will also be a shared dining/kitchen area that will allow residents to come together, rather than being in isolation from one another. |
What policing/security will be provided? |
Durham Region is committed to hearing the voices of the local community, and ensuring the safety of the existing residents. Suggestions made by the community will be taken into consideration when developing a security plan that protects both existing residents, and residents, staff and volunteers in the housing building. We will be establishing a partnership with DRPS and Durham Region Paramedic Services as part of the community partnerships component (along with community agencies). Tenants living at the north Durham site will be there because they choose to be, and may leave at any time. Like any tenant in Ontario, they may also face eviction. |
Where will tenants receive medical care, with limited doctors available in north Durham? |
This is an area that we hope to build relationships in, with our medical/health community. We have had success for people through virtual medicine, and this is an area we want to explore further. We continue to connect with our primary care partners who are always working to make health care access a priority in north Durham. |
Why not convert vacant schools into housing instead of building something new? |
Durham Region has researched many potential sites for development projects, including vacant schools. We will continue to monitor these sites for future project opportunities, once they are deemed surplus to the school boards’ needs. The Region would be required to purchase the property at market rates for redevelopment at that time. The Beaverton project is part of our larger strategy to increase the supply of affordable housing that meets the needs of a diverse population. By building a modular housing unit on land that is already owned by Durham Region, we are able to expedite the project to meet this urgent need—while also bringing much needed support services to north Durham. |
Oshawa micro-homes pilot project
Regional Council has also granted pre-budget approval for a micro-homes pilot project consisting of an estimated 10 units to provide temporary housing on Regionally owned lands in Oshawa, which were acquired for the Gibb Street and Olive Avenue road realignment and widening project. This location is ideal for micro-homes as it is already serviced. Once the scheduled road work commences at this location, the units can easily be relocated to a more permanent site. Regional employees continue to work with local municipalities and the faith-based community to identify locations for other micro-housing projects. The Region will issue an expression of interest for micro-home manufacturers to showcase product offerings. More information about this project will be shared soon.
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