Two Mississauga heritage homes part of a new development for people at risk of homelessness
Published October 13, 2022 at 2:58 pm
A new supportive housing development in Mississauga is slated for two heritage properties in the city.
Two former private seniors group homes in Streetsville, at 25 Thomas St. and 253 Victoria St., are being incorporated into a new development by Indwell, to provide supportive housing for people dealing with mental health and addiction issues, racialized groups and homeless people or those at risk of homelessness, the Ontario government announced today (Oct. 13).
The complex will have 40 studio apartments, 10 barrier-free, each with a kitchen and bathroom. There will be several common areas including a roof deck, servery and community space that can hold up to 40 people.
The Ontario government will shell out more than $4.5 million for the project.
“This project will provide safe and secure accommodation for people dealing with mental health and addiction issues, racialized groups, and or those at risk of homelessness,” said Mississauga-Streetsville MP Nina Tangri in a press release.
There was some concern about this proposal and a petition was launched about a year ago opposing the project. The petition suggested the development would be “an unfavorable [sic] change in the neighbourhood.”
“We believe that this development will compromise the safety and well-being of our neighbourhood,” the petition states.
There was also concern over two listed heritage properties at 25 Thomas St. and 253 Victoria St.
“It’s time to protect the soul, character, and good bones of Heritage Home [sic] and neighbourhood,” the petition reads.
Known as the Cameron-Graydon House, the home at 25 Thomas St. was built around 1900, according to Heritage Mississauga. Robert Graydon who owned Graydon General Store purchased this house from A.W. Cameron.
The province says the new development “will preserve and incorporate two listed heritage properties located at 25 Thomas Street and 253 Victoria Street.”
They add the finished landscaping will include Indigenous plantings and a private terrace. The building is also close to grocery stores, schools, parks, transit, and employment opportunities.
Affordable housing is desperately needed in Mississauga.
“With housing affordability increasingly becoming out of reach for Peel residents, it is vital that we tackle the issue as a partnership with a community focus,” said Nando Iannicca, chair for the Region of Peel. “Beyond bricks and mortar, these 40 supportive housing units will connect residents to important services and help them live independently. We look forward to seeing this community grow.”