Ontario Construction News staff writer

The Ontario government is providing almost $4.4 million to build 39 affordable housing units in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Community Resource Centre Project is a former elementary school that will be converted into a shelter.

“We are also continuing to work to expand access to mental health and addiction support for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness,” said Hosing Minister Steve Clark. “Community and supportive housing is a critical component of our commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, which will ensure that all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, have a home that meets their needs and budget.”

The social services relief fund has provided over $1.2 billion throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions.

The Ontario government is also providing an additional $25 million annually in a new program to simplify ad streamline operations.

The District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB) was allocated almost $7 million through the SSRF.

“I commend the DSSMSSAB and their partners for their continued dedication to this project,” said Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano “The Community Resource Centre Project is an example of strong partnerships coming together to support the most vulnerable in our community and create housing opportunities for people who need it most.

“Bringing together wrap-around services for mental health and addictions, employment and education as well as other crucial services and supports in one location will improve service delivery.”

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Pomerleau Inc. has started the development phase for the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) construction project.

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and WAHA signed an agreement with Pomerleau Inc. after extensive evaluations following an open, fair and competitive request for proposals process that began in January 2022. The Pomerleau team includes:

• Applicant leads: Pomerleau Inc.
• Design team: Kasian Architects Ontario Inc. and Bertrand Wheeler Architecture Inc.
• Construction team: Pomerleau Inc.
• Financial advisor: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

The WAHA redevelopment project is being delivered using a progressive public-private partnership (P3) approach which fosters collaborative development of project requirements, design, pricing and risk management.

Pomerleau Inc. will work with IO and WAHA under the Development Phase Agreement, as well as with the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Services Canada, to continue to define the project requirements to advance the design and fixed confirm pricing. Parties will then have the option to sign a P3 Project Agreement and proceed to the construction phase, which is expected to begin in 2024.

The project is located in Moosonee and Moose Factory Island and the contract value will be announced following financial close.

Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) provides vital healthcare services to people living along Ontario’s James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts, many of whom are of Cree lineage.

The WAHA redevelopment project involves the construction of a new hospital, Elder Care Lodge, visitor hostel and staff accommodations in Moosonee and a new Ambulatory Care Centre on Moose Factory Island. Once complete, these modern facilities will support WAHA in providing exceptional, culturally sensitive healthcare to patients and clients living along Ontario’s James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts, many of whom are Indigenous.