Celebrating Canada Day 2022 and creating a brighter future

By reflecting on our country’s history and culture, we can work together to create a brighter future – one where everyone living in Canada has a home that they can afford and meets their needs.

To celebrate the occasion, we’re shining the spotlight on housing projects and initiatives that are making a difference in communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

Centre 4800 reimagined an old hotel as mixed-market housing that has space for vulnerable residents in Calgary, Alberta. The project has affordable rental units and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. Centre 4800 is using the Housing First approach to tackle chronic homelessness.

Kikékyelc: A Place of Belonging provides supportive and culturally appropriate housing to Indigenous youth aging out of the child welfare system in Kamloops, British Columbia. In this first-of-a-kind project, youth are paired with Elders for guidance and to help them reconnect to their cultural heritage. ‘Kikéyelc’ is a Secwepemc word that means, “to cover young protectively, how mother birds wrap wings around their young.”

The 2-phase expansion and renovation of Buhler Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba has created more room for shelter beds and services for people experiencing homelessness. The Centre was designed as a community hub and has grown from 113 to 154 beds.

The MacDonald Centre for Independent Living in Moncton, New Brunswick added more affordable housing when it was renovated to be accessible for persons with disabilities and limited mobility.  The renovation work added 6 new accessible apartments, providing more much-needed housing in the community.

The Ches Penney Centre of Hope gives people experiencing homelessness in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador a new start. The Centre of Hope includes 20 apartments for the hardest-to-house. In addition to housing, hot meals, healthcare and vocational training are provided at the building to about 500 people experiencing homelessness.

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation in the Northwest Territories is leading a housing needs assessment to inform a housing strategy that gives community members control over their own housing. The needs assessment is capturing community members’ lived experience. Solutions will match the community’s unique climate, geography and culture.

Halifax Affordable Housing Community Land Trust will establish a community land trust model and implementation plan to address housing affordability challenges. The land trust will be based on leading practices and adapted to the local context. Its implementation plan will feature an extensive consultation process that’s centred around the interests and values of the community.

Uquutaq Transitional Shelter provides a safe and supportive space for men experiencing homelessness in Iqaluit, Nunavut. The project also has affordable rental housing units, providing more much-needed housing options in the northern community.

For several years former weapons technician and veteran Bill Beaton drifted from job to job, experiencing health issues, opioid addiction and homelessness. Bill shared his inspiring story with Suzanne Le of the Multifaith Housing Initiative to raise funds for the construction of Veterans’ House: the Andy Carswell Building and Canso Campus in Ottawa, Ontario.

Martha Place in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island provides a new start and a safe home for seniors, persons with disabilities and other priority populations. Martha Place is owned by Kings Square Affordable Housing Corporation. This non-profit organization’s focus is providing housing for priority groups such as seniors, families and persons with disabilities.

The Housing Portrait project in Mauricie, Québec will update an earlier analysis to reflect the current needs of urban, rural and Indigenous communities. This study will consult groups of marginalized and vulnerable populations whose experiences have not been considered before.

The Beehive in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan provides transitional housing to people with HIV or AIDS who are at risk of homelessness. Residents receive holistic, transitional support from outreach staff. They also get specialized help in managing the symptoms of their disease as well as psycho-social and other vital support.

Lianne Leger moved to Whitehorse, Yukon from New Brunswick after graduating as a pharmacist. Together with local real estate professionals, she discovered the First Time Home Buyer Incentive. With support from the program, Lianne was able to purchase her first home after a period of renting.