Region of Durham appoints members to 1635 Dundas Community Liaison Committee

Whitby, Ontario – The creation of the 1635 Dundas Community Liaison Committee (CLC) was endorsed by Durham Region after the first community engagement session was held on August 30, 2023. Its purpose: to share information; while identifying issues, concerns and mitigation strategies that will assist in the successful integration of this project, and its residents, into the broader community. The Region and the 1635 Dundas CLC will work together in advance of the building’s opening in winter of 2024, pending the commissioning of the health and safety systems and service provider.

On December 5, 2023, representatives from the Whitby community were invited to serve on the 1635 Dundas CLC. It is a chance to provide valuable input into this important project. This committee is not involved in the day-to-day operation of the building or the resident in-take process. Instead, their insight is used to inform decision-making to bring a community perspective to the project.

The Region recruited, reviewed and scored 62 Liaison Committee applications.

The newly appointed committee members, alongside staff from Town of Whitby, Region of Durham and Durham Regional Police Service, are comprised of local business owners, residents from the community, persons with lived experience and service providers:

• Jose Barbosa
• Margaret Eskins
• Stratton Findlay
• Akuah Frempong
• Eva Guta
• Rhonda Jessup
• Paul Johnston
• Stacey Leadbetter
• Stephanie Leblanc
• Lisa McNee Baker
• Ema Rosa
• Christopher Simms
• Travis Tiedge
• Taylor Uden
• Bruce Watson
• Reverend Alexander Wilson

Quotes

“The newly appointed members of the 1635 Dundas Community Liaison Committee will serve a very important role in facilitating two-way communication between residents and the Region of Durham. They will provide valuable input into this important project and their insight will be used to inform decision-making for the building.”
 
– Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham

“The 1635 Dundas Community Liaison Committee will serve to increase public awareness with respect to the safe and efficient operations of the residence. I look forward to working with each of these members to increase community knowledge of operations and provide opportunities for members to share community concerns.”

– Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou, Commissioner of Social Services for The Regional Municipality of Durham

Quick Facts

• The Region of Durham is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of the Homelessness Support System across local municipalities, which includes providing shelter and support. As part of the Region’s housing-first approach, supports, services and strategies lead to housing to help people end their homelessness while meeting their basic needs. The ultimate goal is to end chronic homelessness.
• The Region currently has projects underway to support vulnerable residents. These projects include:
  • Beaverton Transitional Supportive Housing: a modular housing development in Beaverton that will provide accommodation and access to wraparound services.
  • Ritson School Project: a renovation of the former elementary school building in Oshawa for community programs. This project will also explore opportunities for mixed-use, sustainably built housing.
  • Community Housing Redevelopment Project: Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation properties are being redeveloped to provide more, higher quality affordable housing and to create mixed income communities.
  • 1635 Dundas: this Whitby site will serve as a low-barrier shelter in the first phase of the project. Engagement is occurring to help develop the longer-term vision for housing options and support services for the site.
  • Region to open new building to help address community need.
  • Region of Durham reaffirms commitment to vulnerable residents on World Homeless Day.

Visit YourVoice.durham.ca/HelpAddressHomelessness for more information about 1635 Dundas and subscribe for updates.

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.