Region celebrates Walker Road seniors' housing expansion

Regional Councillor and chair of the Peel housing committee Pat Mullin, Mayor Marolyn Morrison, Peel chair Emil Kolb and Regional Councillor Nancy Stewart perform the ceremonial shovel dig to mark the groundbreaking for the Walker Road affordable housing expansion for seniors in Caledon East. The 25-unit project is scheduled for full occupancy in spring 2008.

The Region of Peel and the Town of Caledon celebrated the latest steps in the Walker Road seniors' housing expansion project with a groundbreaking ceremony. Dignitaries and

seniors gathered at the site at 20 Walker Rd. E., in Caledon to mark the start of the 25-unit project.

"I am pleased that Peel continues to address the affordable housing needs of our citizens, since affordable housing is considered to be a key factor in stabilizing families and communities," said Nancy Stewart, Regional Councillor. "The Walker Road expansion is a much-needed addition of affordable housing to the Caledon community."

The new building will have 22 one-bedroom units, 2 two-bedroom units and one barrier-free unit. A walkway will join the existing building with the expansion, allowing residents in the existing building to access an elevator in the new building. Additionally, residents and seniors of the Caledon East community will enjoy a new drop-in centre.

"While Peel Living dedicates 25 per cent of its housing portfolio to seniors' housing, we recognize the need for more, particularly with a growing older population," said Pat Mullin, chair of the Peel Region housing committee. "We are pleased to have the Walker Road expansion add to this capacity."

The project is to be built on Peel-owned land and is funded in part with Regional social housing reserves. It has been included in the

formal delivery plan recently approved by regional council to be submitted under the Federal- Provincial cost-sharing Affordable Housing Program. The Walker Road

expansion is estimated to be ready for full occupancy in late 2007 or early 2008.

For more information on this development, and for progress updates, please visit peelbuilds.ca.