THUNDER BAY – New retirement suites at McKellar Place in Thunder Bay will provide increased housing opportunities for seniors and create up to 35 jobs.
With assistance from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), Habib Enterprises is converting a former hospital into a 100-unit retirement residence. The McKellar Place project also includes the construction of 35,000-square feet of office space.
This initiative is part of the government’s five-year Open Ontario plan to create jobs and economic opportunities in Northern Ontario.
“By investing in the construction of McKellar Place, we are helping to respond to the needs of a growing seniors’ population in our community, and creating jobs in the health and construction sectors,” said Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan.
“Our government is committed to investing in private sector projects that help strengthen the northern economy and provide employment opportunities for northerners,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Chair of the NOHFC.
“This project is an example of what can be achieved when an entrepreneur joins forces with dedicated politicians, civil servants, financiers and local skilled trades. Both Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro believed in the value of preservation and enhancement of our landmark structures, and the creation of jobs. They extended their hands to realize the vision,” stated, Ahsanul Habib, M.Arch., O.A.A. & M.R.A.I.C. – Principal, Habib Architects Inc.
Ontario is providing a $1.8-million loan to this project through the NOHFC’s Enterprises North Job Creation Program.
- Read about the NOHFC’s programs
- Read about Habib Enterprises at www.habibarchitects.ca