Waterloo Region – The Region is marking National Housing Day today with awards and optimism about Canada’s first ever National Housing Strategy.

“We are pleased to know that the strategy is coming,” said Deb Schlichter, Director of Housing Services. “We were involved in the consultations, and are confident it will bring more predictability for long term planning and increased capacity to get resources out to where they are needed most.”

Schlichter told a crowded Council Chambers that it is critical all levels of government are involved in creating homes for all, and says the national strategy will align with what the Province is doing and with what the Region and its community partners are working on locally.

She said the federal government also understands current assets are aging and there is a need for more housing, as well as programs for priority groups such as seniors, people who are homeless and/or those with disabilities. 

Eleven awards were handed out at today’s celebration, recognizing those who give their time and expertise to help people find and keep their homes.

For more information, please contact:

Sherry Morley
Communications Coordinator, Community Services
Region of Waterloo
smorley@regionofwaterloo.ca
519-883-2377

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A full list of award recipients follows

Waterloo Region Housing Coalition Award Winners

Sponsored by Lutherwood

Colin Plant Outstanding Volunteer Housing Champion

Awarded to an individual or group who through volunteer work, has significantly increased the community’s awareness of affordable housing issues and/or has measurably contributed to the creation of new affordable housing or to the sustainability of existing stock within Waterloo Region. This award is named in honour of Colin Plant who as a volunteer offered his lived experience insight as an engaging and passionate speaker, in addition to informing program and policy changes in the housing stability system.  

Recipient: Cindy MacRae

As a person with lived experience, Cindy has encountered much on her own journey.  This has molded her into an individual who can walk with others who are dealing with their own struggles, trauma and despair.  Cindy is a long-time volunteer with the Circle of Friends program and the STEP Home Participant Advisory Group. 

Outstanding Housing Educator

This award is given to an individual or group who has demonstrated exception commitment, passion and innovation in increasing awareness and educating the community about affordable housing issues in Waterloo Region.

Recipient: Mark Paul (posthumous)

Mark was hired as the founding employee of the Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Federation in 1992 and served in this position until 2015.  Mark was a stalwart supporter of Cooperative Housing and a steadfast educator on all things related to co-ops.  Earlier this year, the co-op housing sector and the affordable housing movement lost a gentle giant.

Sybil Frenette Outstanding Housing Creator

Awarded to an individual or group who has measurably contributed to the creation of new affordable housing or to the sustainability of existing stock within Waterloo Region.   This award is named in honour of Sybil Frenette, whose visionary leadership has inspired many to make the building of affordable housing a priority within Waterloo Region.

Recipient: Margaret Nally

Margaret has been a member of Menno Homes since its founding in 2001 and a board member since 2005.  She has served as chair since 2013.  Margaret has given strong leadership within the network of housing providers in Waterloo Region to advance the development and supply of affordable housing units for singles, seniors and families.  In addition to her work with Menno Homes, Marg has also had significant roles with the Working Centre, at the YW – Emergency Shelter, Reception House Waterloo Region and Mennonite Central Committee.

Christine Wilson Outstanding Housing Community Worker

Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, dedication and ability in assisting individuals or households to access or maintain adequate affordable rental housing.  This award is named in honour of Christine Wilson whose passion and commitment to low income tenants has created a lasting legacy in Waterloo Region. 

Recipient: David Cox

David Cox has worked as an ODSP Caseworker in Cambridge for many years.  This position gives him a certain degree of discretion that he regularly flexes in order to help clients secure and maintain housing.  He is very creative when confronted with housing issues and fully understand that without stable housing as a foundation it is very difficult for his clients to work on other goals and issues in their lives. 

Outstanding Housing Community Leader

Awarded to an individual or group of tenant(s)/member(s) who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and dedication to improving the quality of life and/or reducing social isolation of residents within their housing community. 

Recipient: Barry Hesson

Barry is an extremely active tenant at the Housing Cambridge seniors’ building at 650 Eagle Street North, Cambridge.  He is a leader in his housing community and a passionate community volunteer with a deep commitment to affordable housing and to creating age-friendly communities.

Kindred Spirit Award

Sponsored by Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre’s Homelessness Advisory Group, R.O.O.F., YWCA, Ray of Hope

The Kindred Spirit Award has been developed to honour individuals who, at some time in their life, have experienced homelessness, and are now supporting others experiencing homelessness. The person may be doing volunteer and/or paid work in the community.

Recipient: Charlotte Wilton

Charlotte is a dedicated long-time volunteer in our community and has been a member of the PAG for the past six years. Over this time, she has offered practical insight and perspective related to improving the housing stability system, made many connections, and increased the knowledge about services and supports available in Cambridge. She has used her personal lived experience as a vehicle to help others and she is a listening ear for many people who are currently in a homeless situation. She is courageous and stands strong for what she believes.

Regional Recognition Awards

These awards recognize the contributions of volunteers on Regional committees or Regional appointments.

Recipients:

Klaudios Mustakas

Ron Flaming

Waterloo Region Newcomer Landlord Award

Sponsored by Immigration Partnership

The Newcomer Landlord Award recognizes landlords that go above and beyond to provide innovative, flexible, caring and affordable housing solutions for recent immigrants and refugees in Waterloo Region.

Recipients:

Farida Allie

Crystal Cormier (Northview Apartment REIT),

House of Friendship, Reception House Waterloo Region & Kiwanis Club of Kitchener-Waterloo

Visit the Immigration Partnership’s website for the award winner’s stories.