Penetanguishene council pitched tiny affordable housing…in Tiny
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca, Apr 21, 2025
A glimpse of the future for affordable housing in north Simcoe was spotted at the recent Penetanguishene committee of the whole meeting.
Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe chair Cate Root presented a tiny home pilot project to Penetanguishene council, with a request for assistance if possible.
An interesting circumstance, however, was that the project was in Tiny Township on the municipal boundary with Penetanguishene.
With a proposed location in the Lafontaine Road and Robert Street West intersection area, Root explained that the proposal would be utilizing 360 square feet of possible space for a five-unit, one-bedroom complex with septic bed and a parking lot.
“We have been offered a piece of property in Tiny. This is the project model we’re working with,” said Root, adding it was “really targeting rental to low-wage earners.”
The three requests made to Penetanguishene council included access to the town’s unopened road allowance, access to nearby municipal water from the town’s supply, and the waiver of fees along with staff support amounting to $5,000.
“We know that this is a very complex opportunity for us to build on this property,” admitted Root. “These pieces are critical for us to go forward.
“We know it is a significant ask, but it is a way that we’re finally going to get some affordable rental housing,” Root noted.
You have all received letters from businesses in the area about how they need this support to be able to offer employment and increase their business.”
Of interest was Root stating that she had applied for a pre-consultation with Tiny Township but had yet to receive a response at the time of the Penetanguishene presentation.
Mayor Doug Rawson thanked Root for addressing council.
“Thank you for your passion and drive, and all you do to make this become a reality. I think there’s so many people that don’t have a voice, and you’re surely championing that voice.”
Later in the committee of the whole meeting, transportation and environmental services section chair Coun. George Vadeboncoeur looked for suggestions on how to handle the matter.
Deputy Mayor Dan La Rose offered it as a referral item for staff to explore. “We don’t want them (Habitat for Humanity) to be caught; we don’t want to be caught knowing whether it’s possible or not possible.
“It’s a pretty big project; I wouldn’t want them to go through problems if it’s something that cannot be done by us,” said La Rose.
Vadeboncoeur added: “From my standpoint, I think that the first step is to deal with the Township of Tiny… and then depending on the type of response they get from the township then to engage with our staff; because I wouldn’t want to see us get engaged if it’s not going to move forward from the township of Tiny standpoint.”
The matter was approved to be put on the referral list to be addressed by staff at a future date.
The Habitat for Humanity North Simcoe presentation, including slides on the tiny home pilot project, can be located on the agenda page of the Town of Penetanguishene website.
Meetings of Penetanguishene council are held on the second Wednesday of each month, and can be watched live on Rogers TV cable 53 when available, or on the Rogers TV website.
Archives of council meetings are located on the Town of Penetanguishene YouTube channel.
Ontario launches the 2025-2026 Francophone Community Grants Program
Investment will support projects that promote the development of Francophone communities
By Ministry of Francophone Affairs, April 10, 2025
TORONTO — The Ontario government is continuing to support its vibrant Francophone community with the launch of the 2025-2026 edition of the Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP).
Since 2017, the FCGP has been enhancing the cultural and economic vitality of the Francophone community by funding initiatives that improve frontline services and promote the French language and culture.
Community organizations and businesses have until May 26 to submit their proposal under one of two streams: Community and Culture or Economic Development. These projects should aim to strengthen the capacity of organizations and businesses to provide products and services to Francophones in the province, promote the recruitment and training of bilingual Francophone staff, or offer opportunities to celebrate and foster understanding of Ontario’s Francophonie.
“Ontario’s Francophonie is at the heart of our provincial identity and prosperity,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs. “The FCGP of-fers Francophone community organizations and businesses the opportunity to continue developing promising projects in key sectors which will strengthen the economic vitality of our French-speaking communities for years to come.”
The Francophone Community Grants Program is part of the government’s commitment to supporting Francophones communities across the province by strengthening their economic, social, and cultural vitality.