The Ontario government has announced nearly $3 million in funding for supportive and affordable housing projects in the Northwestern region.

The announcement sees the government commit nearly $1.7 million to help create 30 affordable units in Marathon, and more than $1.1 million in additional funding to help create six supportive housing beds and a warming centre in Fort Frances.

"We are working with our partners to get more community, affordable and supportive housing built across all parts of the province," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "Our government is making it easier to build homes of all types faster because every Ontarian deserves a home that meets their needs."

The property at 1 McLeod Drive in Marathon was donated by the Town of Marathon to the housing provider, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS).

The three-storey apartment complex features 30 affordable two-bedroom units with a scenic view of Lake Superior. The vision for the project was to alleviate homelessness and overcrowding in the community. The complex upholds high environmental sustainability benchmarks. Priority access will be given to Indigenous community members facing homelessness or living in overcrowded conditions.

Meanwhile, the property at 325 Victoria Avenue in Fort Frances is a decommissioned church that the District of Rainy River Services Board, which administers housing programs in Fort Frances, bought with a vision of offering a range of housing services and supports at one location.

Project HOPE (Housing, Opportunity, Progress and Empowerment), a multi-year construction project, is now ready to house programs specifically designed to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and those recovering from addiction or looking for stability to transition to permanent housing.

Residents will have access to services such as employment support and mental health and addictions counselling. Operating from November until April, the warming centre is an “out of the cold” program that operates during the coldest nights of the year. The transitional housing program will open its doors to residents this fall.

Funding for 325 Victoria Avenue in Fort Frances was provided by the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program, which supports Ontario’s 47 municipal service managers to deliver affordable housing and support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.