Photo courtesy of: https://www.jefflealformayor.ca/
Mayor Jeff Leal has invoked Strong Mayor powers to fast-track a 52-unit transitional housing project at 738 Chemong Road, a move requested by Brock Mission to address the city’s growing homelessness crisis.
Leal has directed City staff to prepare two bylaws for consideration at a Special General Committee meeting on Monday, February 24th. The first bylaw will amend the City’s zoning regulations to facilitate the project, while the second will exempt it from site plan requirements. Under Strong Mayor powers, these bylaws will require only four of 11 council votes to pass.
The Ontario government granted Peterborough Strong Mayor powers in October 2023, designed to accelerate key housing initiatives. “I believe these powers should be used in specific cases that advance important housing developments,” Leal said. “This project meets that criteria.”
Brock Mission’s development will contribute 52 units toward Peterborough’s target of 4,700 new homes by 2031 while providing essential supportive housing for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. According to Leal, expediting the project will improve Brock Mission’s chances of securing provincial and federal funding.
Peterborough has been expanding its homelessness prevention efforts, more than doubling funding for related programs in 2025. The city currently supports 127 shelter and drop-in centre beds, one of the highest per-capita rates in Ontario, and has already invested in 50 modular homes through the award-winning Modular Bridge Housing Community.
Despite these measures, Leal emphasized that more must be done. “We’ve heard from community partners that some individuals in shelters or the Modular Bridge Housing Community are ready for the next step—supportive housing—but no units are available,” he said. “Brock Mission’s project will provide 52 transitional housing spaces, freeing up much-needed shelter beds.”
A recent report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) found homelessness in the province has surged by 25% since 2022. Municipalities face mounting pressure to address related health care, mental health, addiction, and housing challenges, despite limited financial resources.
“Municipalities don’t have the means to build supportive housing on their own,” Leal stated. “But expediting this project is something we can do.”
City Council has already endorsed the Brock Mission project in principle, allocating $250,000 to assist with initial costs. The Chemong Road site falls within a designated Strategic Growth Area under the city’s Official Plan.
Leal expressed confidence in Brock Mission’s ability to manage the facility responsibly, minimizing impact on the surrounding neighborhood. “The residents will be individuals who have been in shelters and are ready for the next step,” he said.
Leal urged his Council colleagues to support the initiative, calling it “critically important for the future health and well-being of our community.”
