Bradford residents may have noticed the construction crane erected at the corner of Frederick and Moore streets on Sept. 11, marking a major milestone in an affordable housing development.
Representatives of LOFT Community Services were joined by residents, members of council and the construction crew for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Bradford House at 31 Frederick St. on Thursday.
“The Bradford House redevelopment project stands as a beacon of hope — a testament to our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of people in our community,” said Carrie Hayward, chair of the Bradford House redevelopment committee.
Since 2019, she explained, LOFT has been working on plans for a new Bradford House with a vision of self-sustaining, integrated affordable housing that addresses the complex social and health challenges of some Bradford seniors.
Mayor James Leduc called the groundbreaking a “significant milestone” in building a “brighter future,” and he’s “so proud” to help bring the project forward.
“This project represents not only bricks and motor but the hopes and dreams of our community,” he said. “It embodies our commitment to progress and collaboration. It signifies a commitment to compassion, dignity and inclusivity to our most vulnerable citizens.”
While the groundbreaking ceremony was originally planned to be held in June, LOFT CEO Heather McDonald explained it was rescheduled for September to better accommodate everyone’s schedules, but she emphasized the team is “really excited” that the roughly $67-million project is “on budget, on time, and building exactly what we set out to build.”
Expected to open in early 2026, the facility is intended to offer affordable housing to 99 seniors at risk of being homeless, each in their own unit in a six-storey building, featuring resident lounges on each floor, a wellness room, outdoor gardens and terraces across different levels.
All of the units are designed with their own kitchenette, washroom and shower, with 30 per cent of the units to be fully accessible, meaning larger doorways and hallways, lower counters and kitchenettes, as well as barrier-free washrooms.
The common washrooms on each floor are also designed to be accessible, and the building is set to include a separate entrance with parking and electrical connections for residents using mobility scooters.
“It’s not just affordable housing; it’s really, deeply affordable,” McDonald said of all the units.
Steve Darking, director of facilities, previously explained LOFT plans to offer those units at prices based on 80 per cent of average market value and prorated to 30 per cent of residents’ income, meaning those living on fixed incomes from the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or even the Ontario Disability Support Program will be able to afford a unit in Bradford House.
In order to make that possible, McDonald explained LOFT and its residents “really depend” on support from donors and government partners.
While McDonald said LOFT is still waiting to hear about funding applications to both the provincial and federal governments, she’s “very optimistic.”
Meanwhile, she said the RBC Foundation’s Community Infrastructure Fund has made a two-year $250,000 commitment for the accessibility elements of the project.
McDonald was also happy to say the new Bradford House has received its “inaugural donation” from the family member of a resident, which “means a lot to us.”
William Hayes was too humble to reveal exactly how much he donated, but he emphasized the staff and volunteers at Bradford House have been “so kind” to his daughter, who has been living there for about seven years and asked not to be named.
“It’s just been great. We’re so happy to see (her) here where she’s safe and warm and well fed,” he said. “It just provided our family with comfort and peace.”
The facility is expected to more than double the 46-person capacity of the current Bradford House, where it has operated since 2012 in a building more than 100 years old at 136 Barrie St. — about 220 metres away from the new site.
Two residents shared their stories living in Bradford House and what it has meant to them.
From a motorized wheelchair, Denise Burrows said she’s been living at Bradford House for more than 13 years, since before LOFT was the operator, and she appreciates the balanced meals, medical support, and helpful staff.
“To the residents, Bradford House gives stability to life and allows us to maintain our independence,” she said. “Without Bradford House, I don’t know where I would be.”
Sheron (who asked her last name not be used) said she is a client of Bradford House and a survivor of Canada’s residential school system.
“I am excited and looking forward to living in my new home, in my own room with my own bath,” she said. “I appreciate LOFT for providing me with support thus far.”
The groundbreaking followed a demolition ceremony on April 11 to remove the then-existing buildings at 31 Frederick St. as well as 123 Moore St., which, combined, were previously home to the Helping Hand Food Bank, CrossTrainers Canada and WOW Living’s Out of the Cold Cafe — all of which have since relocated to the town’s new social services and community hub at 177 Church St.
During Thursday’s groundbreaking, Leduc highlighted many of the efforts the town had taken to support the new development over the years, including council’s approval for the demolition last September, following the town’s donation of the property to LOFT under the previous council led by then-mayor Rob Keffer in late 2021.
“Bradford has been a great municipality to work with,” and “really supportive,” McDonald said.
More information and ways to support LOFT can be found at loftcs.org.
