The Thurlow Housing Corporation will mark its 40th anniversary later this month with a community gathering, recognizing four decades of providing affordable housing for seniors in the Quinte region.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Emmanuel United Church Hall, located adjacent to Thurlow Court at 19 Yorke Drive.
The celebration will begin at 12:00 p.m. and is expected to draw residents, families, community partners, and supporters of the non-profit organization.
Since 1985, the Thurlow Housing Corporation has operated subsidized housing units for seniors, offering independent living options in a supportive environment.
Over the years, the organization has become a fixture in the Foxboro community, known for its commitment to dignity, accessibility, and long-term stability for aging residents.
Organizers say the gathering is intended not only to celebrate the milestone but also to acknowledge the partnerships and community support that have sustained the housing initiative over the years.
Those interested in attending or learning more can contact Thurlow Housing Corporation at 613-966-5628 or via email at thurlowhousing@gmail.com.
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Information about Thurlow Non Profit Housing Corporation – 19 Yorke Drive, Foxboro, ON K0K 2B0
In the early 1980s, the Thurlow community faced a growing challenge: providing affordable, comfortable housing for its aging population.
Local leaders recognized this pressing need and began exploring options to support seniors wishing to remain in the community they had long called home.
With a spirit of collaboration and determination, a plan started to take shape, laying the foundation for a project that would have a lasting impact on generations to come.
• The Thurlow Township Council, led by Reeve Ken Yorke (deceased), initiated and oversaw this significant project.
• Council conducted a comprehensive community survey to assess the demand for non-profit senior housing.
• Following confirmation of need, plans were developed for 21 units—comprising seven two- bedroom and fourteen one-bedroom apartments.
• Of these, ten units were designated as rent-geared-to-income, while eleven were allocated at market rent rates.
• The former Foxboro Elementary School was demolished to accommodate the new construction adjacent to Emmanuel United Church on Ashley Street.
• Capital funding for the project was secured through contributions from the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario.
• The Thurlow (Non-Profit) Housing Corporation was established with a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for governance. Part-time staff were subsequently hired to manage building operations.
• Construction commenced in 1984, with occupancy available by 1985.
• The road leading into the property was named Yorke Drive in honour of Ken Yorke’s dedicated efforts towards the project’s completion.
• Over the past forty years, approximately 578 households have been accommodated, marking a substantial contribution to the local community.
• The County of Hastings has continued to provide subsidy funding for rent-geared-to-income units. The County of Hastings has also provided valuable expertise to the Board and staff as it relates to capital projects and operational needs.
• In addition to rental revenue, Thurlow Court has received periodic capital funding for facility enhancements, sourced from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, County of Hastings, City of Belleville, and more recently, the Community Housing Transformation Centre.
• Most notably, in 2024, an elevator was installed between the two floors, significantly improving accessibility and quality of life for residents with mobility challenges—a huge accomplishment for the Board and Staff
• Other exciting activities include a partnership with the Community Development Council of Quinte to build “accessible” raised garden beds which have allowed residents to grow their own vegetables. The beds are accessible to residents with mobility issues or other health issues (back) and those who use a walker or wheelchair. Funding from the Seniors Community Grant (Ontario government) provided this opportunity to residents as well as education in computer literacy and numerous other social activities that have decreased social isolation and increased the quality of life for residents.
• Other partners have included the Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre that has provided numerous workshops in the building.
