The federal and provincial governments teamed up to construct 32 housing units for low-income seniors.
Through the Investment in Affordable Housing – Extension program, the federal government invested $3.1 million in Larry Tod Place and the provincial government pitched in $1.7 million.
Larry Tod Place, located on Water Street, is owned and operated by Markham Inter-Church Committee for Affordable Housing (MICAH). It’s home to standard one- and two-bedroom units as well as barrier-free units for seniors with disabilities. Two units are reserved for a partnership with 360Kids, a group that provides care and support for homeless youth.
“MICAH, over its 30-year history, has built 300 units of affordable housing for over 6,000 individuals and families,” MICAH President Mike Clare said at the April 28 announcement. “We are pleased to say that, as of today, we have completed a further 32 units of housing with the help of funding provided by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.”
Larry Tod Place “aligns well” with both the City of Markham Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and its Age-Friendly Guidelines, Mayor Frank Scarpitti says. “This investment is an example of the ability of all levels of government as well as the not-for-profit sector to build much needed affordable seniors housing,” he says.
“I would also like to congratulate MICAH for their leadership on this project and their ongoing efforts to build more affordable housing units in our community.” MICAH was established in 1988 as a non-profit corporation to address the need for affordable housing for low-income families in Markham.
Larry Tod Place opened to residents in September 2020. The building is named in honour of a long-time member of the Markham Lions Club. Tod was instrumental in bringing Cedarcrest Manor to fruition almost 30 years ago and spearheaded the Lions’ involvement in MICAH housing projects.
File photo: Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and key participants in the Larry Tod Place cut the ribbon at the building’s official opening in November.