NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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The County of Simcoe has officially broken ground on the County Orillia Campus Project, marking the start of construction for this important affordable housing and community hub infrastructure intended to service the Orillia area.
The multi-generational hub development is designed to include 130 mixed affordable residential units which will house seniors, families and individuals. It will also include a number of community services, primarily on the ground level with resources and supports including Ontario Works, Children Services, Social Housing offices, and community agency stakeholders.
The affordable housing component of this site will provide increased access to affordable housing for households from across the area with the maximum rents capped at 80 per cent of average market rates as determined by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
This innovative hub model, implemented successfully at other county affordable housing developments, will help to alleviate barriers to accessing essential community and social services, with a variety of support programs on site for residents and those living in the broader community.
The design also incorporates elements that pay tribute to the site’s heritage, including a memorial arboretum featuring a cupola from the original ODCVI building, kindly donated to the project by Orillia Councillor Ralph Cipolla.
In line with the existing funding formula, the County of Simcoe will provide $55M towards the project. The City of Orillia’s contribution is estimated at $4.15M, with additional funding from other partners.
Quotes:
“County Council has been proud to support this project, which will ensure that 130 seniors, families, and individuals have a comfortable place to live. The County Orillia Campus Project is one that we know the community will be able to look to as a sign of hope and pride in what we are able to accomplish when we all work together for the greater good. As we work to surpass our 10-year housing targets, we’re proud to invest in affordable housing across the County, with multiple impactful projects in the north, south, east and west completed, underway or planned in the years to come.” – George Cornell, County of Simcoe Warden.
"Orillia is experiencing a remarkable increase in demand for affordable housing and Council has been looking forward to seeing this important project come to fruition. The multi-generational hub located on the former ODCVI property will increase the number of affordable housing units in our area, which we are in critical need of, and will provide access to important services our community relies on. As a key partner in this project and throughout the development approval process, Orillia is proud to work with the county to address the need for affordable housing, especially amidst rising house and rent prices.” – Steve Clarke, City of Orillia Mayor.
Quick Facts:
Anticipated Timeline:
• Groundbreaking – fall 2021
• Construction begins – early spring 2022
• Anticipated completion date – late 2023
Impact on Housing Targets:
• In 2014, the County set a target to create 2,685 new units of affordable housing across the County of Simcoe including:
o 164 units in Orillia
o 392 units combined throughout Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Ramara, and Severn
• As of June 30, 2021, 2,443 new affordable housing units have been created across the County of Simcoe
• Despite the target already being achieved in the City of Orillia, the County recognizes the need for affordable housing remains and that urban settings such as Orillia are still a “draw” for households in nearby municipalities who need housing in close proximity to employment, community services and public transit
Development Construction – highlights of our drive towards 2,685 new units:
• 2015: 38 affordable rental units (Barrie)
• 2016: 75 affordable rental units (54 in Barrie, 21 in Penetanguishene)
• 2017: 5 affordable rental units (Barrie)
• 2018: 4 affordable rental units (Wyevale)
• 2019: 80 affordable rental units (20 in Alliston, 55 in Innisfil, 5 in Barrie)
117 affordable rental/mixed use units, plus 30 replacement Rent-Geared-to-Income units (Collingwood)
23 supportive housing units (18 in Barrie, 5 in Midland)
• 2020: 140 affordable rental units (99 in Wasaga Beach, 41 in Tay)
• 2021: 20 supportive housing units in Orillia
In process:
• 2023:
127 net new affordable rental/mixed use units in Orillia, plus 3 replacement Rent-Geared-toIncome units
50 affordable rental/mixed use units in Bradford West Gwillimbury
• 2024: 150 new affordable rental units in Barrie
County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides crucial public services to county residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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