**Echo fixed 2 mins in.
Thanks to our MPP Jeff Yurek for joining us with Joe Preston – Mayor ST.Thomas Ontario to announce the provincial funding for the incredible work they and our city councillors have been doing behind the scenes to setup support systems for those in our community that need it the most.
NEW PROJECTS AIMED AT MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS – With the following new projects on the horizon, we will be able to provide more affordable housing and RGI housing to those in need. More importantly, we will be able to provide housing with supports to those who are most vulnerable in our community.
EMERGENCY SHELTER – The City has acquired 10 Princess Avenue for use as a 24-hour emergency shelter and the potential for some permanent supportive housing units.
TENDER AWARED FOR MICRO APARTMENT UNITS AT TRANSIT BUILDING – As an initial project to provide supportive housing, City Council has awarded a contract to Graceview Enterprises to fulfill the construction of 16 micro apartments on the second floor of the Transit Building at 614 Talbot Street. Funding for this $3 million project has been made possible through senior levels of government.
CITY ALIGNS WITH INDWELL COMMUNITY HOMES –
Complementing the many valued agencies in the City that focus on supportive housing, mental health and addictions, the City has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Indwell Community Homes, expert leaders in the development of supportive housing projects and the delivery of critical supports to the tenants of their buildings. Initially, Indwell will lease the new units at the Transit Building and provide the day-to-day supports for the tenants who will make it their home.
230 TALBOT STREET PHASE TWO – Working side by side with the City, Indwell will take the lead in the planning and development of a new residential building on lands owned by the City which form part of the property where the new Social Services Offices are located. The new building site will front on Queen Street. Approximately 45 new affordable, supportive housing units are planned to be constructed on the site within two years.
PLANNED FIRE SERVICES FOR THE FUTURE – New fire substation at 230 Talbot Street to support growth in the north west quadrant of the city.
NEW HOME FOR ST. THOMAS ELGIN FOOD BANK ALONG WITH AFFORDABLE, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING BEING INVESTIGATED FOR ROSS STREET AT CENTRE STREET – The City is pleased to announce an initiative that could see the development of a new food bank along with affordable, supportive housing units at the north west corner of Ross Street and Centre Street, just north of the CASO rail line in the approximate location of the former skateboard park.
PROUD OF COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER
“I am proud that the provincial government is providing essential support of over $920,000 for a new shelter in the City as part of our over $3.3 million investment to help protect the health and safety of our most vulnerable St. Thomas neighbours,” said Jeff Yurek, MPP. “It is critical that all members of this community have a safe and warm place to call home during these challenging times.”
“I am thrilled to see the St. Thomas of City move forward with their Compassionate Community Strategic Objective, as these projects are exactly what our community needs at this time,” stated Karen Vecchio, MP. “Many families and individuals have found themselves without adequate housing during these unprecedented times. All levels of government must work together to address these issues and adapt a comprehensive response including wrap-around services that provides a strong foundation for those in need.”
“I cannot overstate how proud I am to be the Mayor of this great City and to witness the dynamic growth and positive momentum that is taking place within our community, that which is shaping an exciting future ahead. Having said that, the City cannot ignore the fact that we have many individuals in crisis who find themselves very disadvantaged, homeless and who suffer from mental health and addiction issues. I am overwhelmed by the coordination of so many valued community partners and the financial contributions from senior levels of government that have come together to address the challenges of our most vulnerable, head on. All of these efforts, including the work of City Council, truly demonstrates that St. Thomas is indeed a compassionate community” states Mayor Joe Preston.
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A message about our sponsors:
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Shebaz’s Shawarma & Falafel St Thomas – If you haven’t tried their shawarma and falafel (or *shawarma fries*) – you are truly missing out! They are located at 245 South Edgeware Road in the Ultramar Gas Station Building. During the lockdown, the best way to order is to call ahead, 548-788-1105. Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00am-8:00pm. They look forward to serving you from a safe distance, so come with a mask, an appetite, and a smile!
Redding Designs Inc – Custom Website Design Studio – is a creative bunch of guys that are passionate about design and functionality. From start to finish your site will be developed by amazing graphic designers and programmers, ensuring that your site will be awesome! They are located at 555 Talbot Street East, Aylmer.
Streamliners Espresso Bar features world renown Las Chicas Del Café coffee and has the sweetest Baristas in town! Their 767 Talbot Street Is open for take out! Check out their new drink and food menu – they still have your old favourites along with some new features to dazzle your taste buds!
Hush Hair Boutique is devoted to enhancing your overall well-being through a variety of professional services offered in their unique salon environment at 399 Talbot Street. You can book online, so head over to their Facebook page for the details and then message them to book an appointment.
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