Plans unveiled for newcomer housing in Old East Village as fundraising starts

London's Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC) is hoping to start work this summer on a new apartment building in Old East Village that will be geared to newcomers.

The 247-unit complex is earmarked to be built on the current site at 763-773 Dundas St., between Hewitt and Rectory streets, next to the Aeolian Hall. 

The one, two and three-bedroom units are being designed with a focus on new Canadians' distinct needs, including affordability, stability, access to amenities and opportunities to meet new people. It will have laundry rooms, a gym, and a health and wellness centre, and is a 15-minute walk away from the CCLC building, which provides additional services to newcomers. 

"They need those important pieces in their journey so they can focus their energy into providing for their families and do the economic activities that they're meant to do in our communities," CCLC executive director Valerian Marochko said.

CCLC has been in talks about building the apartment for five years, and officially announced the project's name, Doorways to Dreams, at an event at London's Aeolian Hall on Wednesday. 

The idea came after newcomers expressed challenges finding housing, Marochko said at the event, adding that CCLC is mandated to help government-assisted refugees secure permanent housing within 21 days of landing in Canada. 

"Over the years our staff have moved mountains to make this happen – calling landlords, searching listings and leaning on community connections – but as London housing prices deepened, so did the struggle to find housing," he said.

On top of the general housing crunch, CCLC's board vice-chair Helene Berman said newcomers face additional challenges securing a home due to language barriers, lack of credit history and discrimination. 

"There are many groups who have a need for safe and affordable housing, but the particular challenges for newcomers are quite distinct," she said.

Around 75 of the building's units will have affordable housing rates, Berman said, and CCLC will work with the city of London to determine the final price tag and eligibility criteria closer to the building's expected opening in late 2028.

Though newcomers will have priority, the apartment units will not be exclusive to them, Berman said. Seniors, women fleeing violence, people with disabilities and others facing housing insecurity can also live in the space. 

"This is an opportunity for new Londoners and established Londoners to live together and build community together," Berman said.  

"Newcomers thrive best when they're integrated with the larger community," Marochko said. 

The project is estimated to cost $100 million with funding having been secured, CCLC said. The non-profit is still fundraising another $2 million from the community. On Wednesday, Canada Life announced it was contributing $250,000 to the build.

"This is a project where London could take the lead," Marochko said. "We'll make our city more vibrant, we'll make our city adaptable and we'll welcome everyone."