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John emphasized the impor-
tance of FirstOntario as a part-
ner. “FCU has been an excellent
partner that not only has a le-
gitimate concern for those in
the communities it serves, as
evidenced by their involvement
in this project, but also its exec-
utives work with an entrepre-
neurial spirit often not found in
financiers.”
The building they partnered
on, which is currently under
construction, will include 127
units, with a mix of one, two,
and three-bedrooms. It will also
include Bethlehem offices, a
daycare facility, various com-
munity-oriented spaces, as well
as an outdoor play area for the
daycare’s use.
Penn Terra is developing the
project, while Bethlehem Hous-
ing and Support Services will
be leasing the whole of the
proposed building and rent-
ing units at an affordable rate.
Twenty of the units will be eligi-
ble for Niagara Regional Hous-
ing’s housing allowance pro-
gram, and an addition 30 to 50
units will be available at 80 per
cent of the average market rent
for St. Catharines, as set by Ni-
agara Regional Housing.
In designing the building, the
Penn Terra Group leaned heav-
ily on Bethlehem and their ex-
pertise. They would conduct
regular meetings with Lori and
her team and discuss the build-
ing and its amenities.
“Lori was an instrumental part
of the whole process,” John
says. “And that was important
to us. We wanted to make sure
we provided things that would
meet the needs of the eventual
tenants.”
“That’s how we came up with
the concept of having a daycare
service,” he explains. “A lot of
the families that are in need of
affordable housing have young
children, and it’s difficult for
the parents to find and acquire
childcare while they’re at work.”
“Lori was also quite adamant
that certain services should be
available to tenants within their
building,” he continues. “So we
included offices in the building,
so the necessary agencies have
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