Hastings-Quinte Social Services Director Steve Gatward, February 8, 2017 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Hastings-Quinte Social Services is planning to concentrate on new housing rather than renovating its old units.
Under a six-year provincial program the social service department has received $1 million for renovating its housing units.
Director Steve Gatward told the committee Wednesday the program is too expensive.
Gatward pointed out that this would mean $2.2 million available for the construction of the new units.
He says the successful proponent to build the units could be a non-profit group or a for-profit property owner.
The issue goes to County council for final approval.
Social Services briefs
The Hastings-Quinte social services department is ready once again to administer any funding that could come forward under two, year-round financial assistance programs developed by the Ontario Energy Board.
The programs help low-income energy customers manage their bill payments and energy costs.
They provide $500 for accounts in arrears which leave people faced with the threat of disconnection of gas or hydro.
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The Hastings-Quinte social services committee is recommending that county council agree to have the department administer provincial funding for an indignenous children program.
It provides $15,000 to increase the number of “culturally relevant child-care spaces, and expand access to child and family programs for indigenous childen off-reserves.”
