Port Cares Celebrates the Grand Opening of Chestnut Place
As Canada continues to grapple with an escalating housing crisis, a beacon of hope emerges in Port Colborne with the grand opening of Chestnut Place. This new affordable housing development, spearheaded by Port Cares, is a much-needed response to the growing demand for low-income housing, particularly among seniors and single-parent families.
Dignitaries, donors, and community supporters gathered to celebrate the completion of this phenomenal project at 9 Chestnut Street, Port Colborne. The ceremony included a ribbon-cutting, speeches from key stakeholders, and guided tours of the newly constructed building.
“Today is not just about opening a building, it’s about opening doors and changing lives,” said Christine Clark Lafleur, CEO of Port Cares. “Chestnut Place represents hope, security, and opportunity for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We are incredibly grateful to all our partners who made this vision a reality.”
The event recognized the remarkable collaboration between Port Cares, the City of Port Colborne, the Region of Niagara, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Curt Benson, Chair of Port Cares’ Project Committee, highlighted the journey that led to this achievement, stating, “This type of project requires vision, persistence, and unwavering community support. Thanks to our partners and donors, Chestnut Place stands today as a testament to what we can accomplish together.”
The project was made possible through $9.1 million in funding from CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative, a $1.75 million investment from the Region of Niagara, and substantial contributions from private donors and organizations. Greg Bartman, Chair of Finance and Audit for Port Cares, emphasized the financial stewardship behind the project, noting, “We are proud to say that Chestnut Place opens today as a fully paid-for asset. This ensures that rent remains affordable, ranging from $390 to $700 per month, making a real difference for our residents.”
Port Cares extended special recognition to major donors, including Tom Rankin and Rankin Construction, Whiteline Architects, the Shoalts family, the Wise Guys Foundation, the RONA Foundation, the Branscombe Family Foundation, and the Boggio Family. “We could not have done this without the generosity of our donors,” said Midge Butson, Chair of the Port Cares Board of Directors. “Their compassion and commitment to affordable housing have helped bring Chestnut Place to life.”
The building will begin welcoming residents in phases, with the first group moving in within days. Among them are individuals and families experiencing homelessness who will finally have a secure place to call home.
