Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) has opened the doors to its first additional rental unit, which is akin to a tiny home, located in the backyard of a residential property in Peterborough’s west end that is owned by One City Peterborough.
PATH and One City, who worked together on the project, say the unique house will be available for tenancy as of Friday (February 28).
This project was initiated last September following planning approval from the City of Peterborough under its 2023 additional rental unit (ARU) guide. The project was funded by charitable donations from PATH and One City donors, along with gifts of building material from Kingdon Timber Mart and Gus’s Kitchen and Bath.
“We are pleased and also feel very heartened by the many organizations that have reached out to show their support for our efforts to create permanent housing that is both affordable and respectful of individuals,” Keith Dalton, project manager at PATH, told kawarthaNOW.
“Through this model project we have learned a great deal about how to make projects like this successful and we will be moving forward on similar projects with organizations and individuals who share a desire to create affordable living spaces that address the need for housing of this type — decent housing that is built at low cost, hence affordable, and within the community, not isolated, so that residents will be a part of the Peterborough community and feel belonging and respect.”
PATH provided the design and contract management for the house and arranged for more than 1,500 volunteer hours toward the completion of the project to ensure it was completed on time and on budget, a media release noted.
The result is a 400-square-foot home that is fully equipped, accessibly designed, private, and affordable. It also adds to One City’s growing stock of supportive housing.
One City currently provides housing support to 34 people through its congregate housing program, all of which are congregate housing sites. This project is the organization’s first single occupancy housing unit.
“There is a distinct need for this kind of private accommodation for people who are transitioning from being unhoused,” said Michael Van Der Herberg, property development manager for One City, in a statement. “For many people who were previously unhoused, living in a shared space, while cost effective, is not ideal for personal recovery.”
One City’s housing program delivers ongoing support for its residents. PATH and One City share a common drive to create permanent housing for community members who struggle to find housing that is safe, affordable, and integrated in the community.
“PATH’s goal is to encourage the development of permanent supportive housing for our unhoused neighbours, and this project is one example of how this can be achieved when organizations collaborate and rally around a common cause,” the release noted.
Plans are underway for similar units to be constructed in the year ahead at an estimated cost of $100,000 or less per unit. PATH said low-cost construction is key to making these tiny homes affordable.
The organization will continue to work with community partners, local builders, and city staff to provide design studies, permit application, and construction support to see more homes constructed in the future, the release noted.
Meanwhile, One City is looking for donated items to help furnish the new tiny home, including a queen mattress and bed frame, night stand, lamp, hand mixer, drinking glasses, food processor, coffee table, television set, and pots and pans.
To donate items, email Elisa at ehollingsworth@onecityptbo.ca.
