Guess what L'Arche is getting for Christmas

The folks at L’Arche received an early Christmas present today with the announcement that the province will provide the funding for a new home.

L’Arche North Bay provides a warm inviting home atmosphere for individuals with developmental disabilities so they can lead active, fulfilling lives. But they were facing one huge issue which was the current location at the corner of First and Ferguson Streets is cost prohibitive to fix for the groups requirements.

Last year the group was aware made aware the house was not compliant with fire regulations and there were other needed improvements. They received an architect's report that estimated the repairs needed would be in the neighbourhood of $542,400, so Ontario is investing $570,000 which will allow the group to purchase a brand new home.

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith says she is delighted that the funding for L’Arche to build a new residence on McPhail Street has been secured.

“This is such a happy Christmas story for sure,” she states.

“L’Arche does such great work in our community. They are so committed to our adult developmentally delayed individuals. I’ve known L’Arche and been in touch with people at L’Arche since high school in the community and actually one of the residents in this home is somebody I knew back then and is still living here in the same neighbourhood.”

“But this home has become prohibitive to repair it is just too expensive to do the updates that need to be done for a group residential setting, so today we announced $570,000 to fund a new home for our L’Arche residents.”

Smith says the McGuinty government is committed to ensuring that vulnerable members of our community have a respectful and safe place to live.

She agrees with Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services who said community service providers want to help people and that they shouldn’t have to worry about leaky roofs or broken furnaces. Smith says today’s announcement is part of the government’s ongoing effort to help keep community facilities in good repair and improving accessibility. The investments also support the province’s Open Ontario Plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth across the province.

“It is a wonderful Christmas Present,” says Martina Getz, Executive Director of L’Arche North Bay.

She says it takes the weight off everyone’s shoulders who were feeling the pressure of how to finance a new building.

The $ 570,000, a one-time funding grant from the province, will see L’Arche purchase two (2) semi-detached homes designed for folks with physical limitations and will replace the current 100 year old home.

She says the funding will enable us to continue with our mission providing homes and community integration programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

“This is a place of belonging and it is a place that supports integrating into the community.”

L’Arche was inspired by Jean Vanier, son of former Governor General Georges Vanier, L’Arche North Bay was founded in 1978. At the heart of L'Arche North Bay are the three homes and the day program where people with intellectual l disabilities and the assistants share their lives.

L’Arche North Bay is one of more than 100 communities around the world that make up the International Federation of L’Arche.