United Counties Pathway Supportive Cabins Program is $900,000 Over Budget

Brockville – The Counties Joint Services Committee received an update on the Pathway Supportive Cabins Program at the April 8th Joint Services meeting.

In the report, they learned that the project, which is located at 1805 County Road 2 East, went $900,000 over budget due to site challenges.

The initial plan for the Supportive Cabins Initiative was to utilize the first floor of the three-storey building as a central hub for facilities, such as bathrooms, showers, office space, meeting space and food distribution.

The report said that due to competing demands, that plan was set aside in August 2024, and it was decided these functions would be housed in a purchased, purpose-built amenity trailer and washroom/shower trailer that cost $220,478.00.

The change in direction and tight timelines to be operational before winter did not allow for front-end planning and the regular tendering process, resulting in a time and material approach to meet the deadlines.

Location of service connections, the existence of bedrock, winter conditions, multiple changes to site plans impacted and increased costs of water, sewer and electrical installation. In addition, work was completed on the existing administration building, including security cameras, entry system, new door locks and upgrades to the electrical system.

The project has seen $1.08 million spent so far, with total costs now close to $2 million..

The cabins began accepting residents the week of February 3, with eleven individuals accessing their new home that week. This was followed by another six residents the following week, and eventually the cabins were at 100% capacity by mid-February. Since opening, the cabins have all generally been accessed and at capacity, with some vacancies occurring as some individuals leave for other accommodation.

Currently, 23 of the 25 cabins are inhabited, and two individuals presently experiencing homelessness are being contacted for consideration in filling these two vacancies. As well, there are currently 115 people on the waitlist.

The Joint Services Committee is recommending using the community housing amortization reserve and paying the money back over 10 years.

Brockville`s Mayor Matt Wren supported the project but questioned the $220,000 cost of the amenities trailer.

The John Howard Society, which runs the cabins, said the project is already helping people. One resident now has a job and secure housing.

Counties`s council will possibly vote on the extra money at its April 24 meeting.