A key step was taken in Belleville on Tuesday as part of a process to provide dozens of new social housing units.
The demolition process began at the Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward Hastings project at the site of the former Belleville Police Headquarters on Dundas Street East.
Multiple speakers addressed the crowd about the monumental nature of the project, which is the largest ever single-phase Habitat project ever in Canada.
There was also a big focus on the building’s history and importance as both a place of worship (Calvary Temple) and for decades the home of Belleville’s Finest.
Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis says the housing shortage now is very real and it’s great that there will be 66 new units of affordable housing when the project is done in June of 2028. He says he is proud of Council’s support for the project, which includes the donation of the land required and the waiving of $200,000 worth of development fees on Monday of this week.
CEO of Habitat for Humanity Hazzem Koudsi says “this represented the culmination of a lot of work that went on behind the scenes to get us to this point, which funny enough is still just a starting point. There is a ton of work still to go. An iconic building in our community has come down, yet we are very optimisic about what it will be turned into, and we are very optimistic about what it will be turned into and we expect that this investment in our community will provide a fantastic return to our downtown business, to our tax-base. It will create revenue possibilities and we are optimistic for the future.”
Koudsi acted as the ceremony emcee and commented that this “this project is all about community. Just like the Calvary Temple being built in the mid 1900’s, this building will require the community to come together to make it a reality”. He added that “todays historic ceremony also marks the launch of our $8.3M fundraising campaign and the beginning of a brighter future for hard working families who want to become homeowners”.
Community members, business leaders, Habitat homeowners, staff, volunteers, and dignitaries gathered to witness the first moments of demolition, carried out by Environmentall Contracting Services Inc. Site preparation will continue in the coming weeks as fundraising efforts advance.
It was an opportunity to pay respect to the past 60 years of service that this iconic building provided through religion and community protection. Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd was on hand with Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks. Chief Rodd noted that “every ending is also a new beginning. What was once the centre of the Police Service in Belleville will be transformed into something that once again serves the people of this city. Safe, affordable housing will make homeownership a reality for families”.
Sentiments have been shared across the community, but also throughout Habitat for Humanity Canada. Stated by Pedro Barata, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada, “The ambition of this project is a reflection of what Habitat for Humanity is accomplishing across the country: making a real impact on Canada’s housing crisis by supplying a range of quality, affordable homeownership opportunities for families. With this build, Habitat
Prince Edward-Hastings is providing a model for other local Habitats tackling the crisis in their own communities.” Karen Coviello, VP People & Impact at Habitat Canada (and former City Councillor for the City of Waterloo) was on hand for the ceremony and noted this “will provide homes for 66 families, the largest single-phase habitat build in Canadian history” and added “it’s a powerful testament to what can be achieved when communities come together with purpose and compassion and an enormous amount of determination. Our model of no down payment and affordable mortgage geared to family income helps families build strength, financial stability, and community – it provides them with tools to transform their future.”
Next Steps
Habitat CEO Hazzem Koudsi, indicated that demolition should be completed sometime in late October if everything goes according to plan. Then they will continue to fundraise towards their $8.3M target for the next year, with an expectation to put shovels into the ground late 2026. Construction would start at that time and be completed mid 2028, with families occupying their new homes by June 2028 at the latest.
(PAUL MARTIN)
