Fundraising campaign for Bells Corners Housing Project launched

The Housing Project for Bells Corners at Christ Church Bells Corners (CCBC) entered the New Year on a high note, with its partners confident it will welcome tenants later in the year.

A successful first “quiet” fundraising drive expanded, with Bishop Shane Parker’s proclamation on New Year’s Day of an official diocesan campaign and a $1.6 million goal. 

At Choral Morning Prayer at Christ Church Cathedral on Jan. 1, Bishop Shane prayed that the project would inspire us to be hope-filled, courageous, creative and determined as we faithfully serve God in the community. He said that besides housing for 57 people the project would serve hundreds of others through a food bank and resource centre.

In her sermon Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said that our faith is why we advocate for affordable housing and related social services. 

The diocesan campaign, appealing broadly to community groups and parishes and looking for many small donations, has a solid base to build on. Archdeacon Kathryn Ottley, Christ Church Bells Corners’ rector, says more than $750,000, including a single donation of $250,000, was raised during the parish-based first phase.  Donations may be made online at www.christchurchbellscorners.ca and clicking on the Housing Project icon.

Tradespeople have made good progress, completing the fourth and top floor of the new building on the site of the old Christ Church Bells Corners rectory at 3865 Old Richmond Road.

Earlier in the pandemic, shortages of labour and supplies delayed construction. By year’s end progress speeded up. Framing, typically done on site, became more efficient as panels were assembled in the workshop for installation on site.

The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa is lead partner with CCBC, Cornerstone Housing for Women, West Ottawa Community Resource Centre, and the FAMSAC Food Cupboard. Cahdco, the non-profit development corporation, is managing construction.

The Rev. Canon PJ Hobbs, director of Community Ministries, says preparations for the rental infrastructure will be completed during the first half of 2022.  This includes lease criteria, rental forms and a website. Canon Hobbs is confident renters will be moving into the building later in the year.

The project will offer three categories of mixed affordable housing. Eleven units will be available to rent at 80 per cent of average market rent as established by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Fourteen will be at 70 percent of average market rent.  Prospective tenants must apply to lease these units.

Another 10 units will carry a much deeper subsidy open to persons eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Candidates must be on the Ottawa Housing Registry which numbers about 12,000. The average time to be on the waitlist is about five years.