L&A County To Invest in Social Housing in Addington Highlands

In the fall of 2024, on the recommendation of the Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS) Committee, Lennox and Addington County Council approved the transfer of properties belonging to URCA not-for-profit housing corporation, located in the village of Flinton. No longer able to sustain operations, URCA had looked to PELASS as a long-time funder and supporter, for help. County Council took the bold step of assuming the properties, to ensure the community did not lose these much-needed homes. With a territory of 1,200 square kilometers, a population of just 2,534, and only 39 rent-geared-to-income units in the whole municipality, social housing is at a premium in Addington Highlands.

With the transfer finalized in May of this year, County Council has committed to funding capital costs over the next 3-5 years that will ensure these units are brought up to a maintainable standard. At the time of transfer, two of the units had been uninhabitable for over two years, and the County made an unsuccessful delegation to provincial authorities in August, requesting funding to offset the approximately $100,000 cost of getting the two units livable by winter. Nonetheless L&A County staff, notably Property Services, have worked diligently to find internal capacity to get the two units ready for occupancy, which will take place as of October 30. Today members of Council toured the new units and celebrated that two more families will have a safe, warm home this winter.

Warden of Lennox and Addington County, Jim Hegadorn, noted that “the County is taking leadership and backing up our words with actions when it comes to addressing the serious need for more social housing in our communities.” The Warden went on to thank Deputy Warden and Reeve of Addington Highlands, Tony Fritsch, for his leadership saying: “As a past chair of the PELASS committee, Reeve Fritsch showed vision, determination, and leadership in his advocacy for more social housing. In part, today is a legacy of Tony’s humanity, his willingness to step up and take leadership when called upon, and above all his love for and commitment to the people of Addington Highlands.”