MPP Dave Smith has issued a statement in response to recent comments made during a City of Peterborough Council meeting about the proposed transitional housing project at 738 Chemong Road. The statement clarifies the Province’s role in the project, confirming no funding has been committed for the build.
During the election, misleading comments suggested provincial funding was secured for the 52-unit transitional housing project, a claim MPP Smith disputes. “The Province played no role in the City of Peterborough Council decision to expedite the building process for Brock Mission. This decision was solely a decision by the Mayor and City Council,” Smith said, emphasizing that the decision was made locally.
Smith acknowledged having an introductory meeting in the fall of 2024 regarding the project but stated that “no funding has been committed by the Province for this project.” He further explained that representatives from Brock Mission were directed to work with the lead partners on the HART Hub application, yet chose not to participate in the collaboration for the operational funding opportunity for the HART Hub.
Smith also clarified that the $6.3 million in provincial funding for the HART Hub can “only be allocated toward operational expenses. None of the funding can be used for capital build expenses.” The funding for Peterborough’s HART Hub cannot be used to assist with the Brock Mission build on Chemong Road.
“At present there are no capital programs available through the Province that the proposed build on Chemong Road could qualify for. No Provincial capital funding is available nor has any been committed to Brock Mission for this project,” Smith stated.
As is the case for all funding opportunities, Smith explained, should a program become available, “Brock Mission may choose to apply for funding, at which time, the project would be evaluated through a competitive application process and the merits of the proposal combined with the needs of all of the communities that apply would determine whether their application is successful or not.”
Smith closed the statement by saying he greatly appreciates all of the work that Brock Mission has done to help with the homeless situation in Peterborough.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
