Canadian Mortgage News

January 2004 National News Archive

Groundbreaking for Varency Home

JARVIS, Ontario, April 17, 2004 — Varency Home, a 10-bed residence for youth at-risk, celebrated the start of construction with an official groundbreaking ceremony today. The project, sponsored by St. Leonard's Community Services, was made possible thanks to $550,000 in funding through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP).

"Varency Home will make a positive impact in our area by helping provide safe and comfortable accommodations for those most in need in the community." said the Honourable Bob Speller, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Member of Parliament for Haldimand–Norfolk-Brant. "I look forward to the successful completion of this most worthwhile project."

"St. Leonard's Community Services is happy to have received funding from CMHC and looks forward to working with the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Children's Aid Society to establish and operate this much needed community resource," said Bill Sanderson, Executive Director of St. Leonard's Community Services.

"On behalf of the Children's Aid Society (CAS) of Haldimand-Norfolk, I am pleased to welcome St. Leonard's Community Services to our community", said Brian Hillier, CAS Executive Director. "The arrival of this home in Jarvis will provide our kids with the treatment they need, while ensuring they remain close to their families".

The project will also receive on-going operational funding through the Children's Aid Society and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Shelter Enhancement Program offers financial assistance for the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters for women and their children, youth and men who are victims of family violence as well as the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second stage housing where needed.

For further information, please contact:

Angelina Ritacco, CMHC
416-218-3332

Bill Sanderson, Executive Director of St. Leonards Community Services, explains the plans for Varency Home to the Honourable Bob Speller (centre), Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and MP for Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant, as Bruce Barrett, Facilities Manager of St Leonards Community Services, helps hold the plans of the new youth centre for Jarvis, Ontario.

from left, Bill Sanderson, Executive Director of St. Leonards Community Services, Chuck Anderson Board President of St. Leonard's Community Services, the Honourable Bob Speller, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and MP for Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant, Mayor Marie Trainer of Haldimand County, Toby Barrett, MPP Haldimand County, and Brian Hillier, Executive Director of Haldimand-Norfolk Children's Aid Society, pose at ground breaking ceremony of Varency Home, a 10 bed residence for youth at risk located in Jarvis Ontario.

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)