Caldwell Family Centre moving out of west end location due to housing shortage
The Caldwell Family Centre is looking for a new home, after three decades of serving the Carlington community in Ottawa's west end.
Due to the housing shortage in the capital, Ottawa Community Housing says it requires the two units at 1100 Medford Street that the food bank has been using.
"Come July 15, we will be vacating two units," Marilyn Matheson, Caldwell Family Centre executive director, told CTV News Ottawa on Wednesday.
Caldwell Family Centre is now asking for help to find another location for the food bank and its offices to continue offering programs to the community.
"While we are thankful for the time we’ve had in the two housing units, we understand the need to return them back into housing for families," Matheson said in a statement.
Ottawa Community Housing has been providing units 20 and 22 at a property on Medford Street for over 30 years, but now requires the units.
Volunteers are disappointed the Caldwell Family Centre food bank and offices will be forced to move out next month.
"I realize housing is a priority in the city and I'm not saying it's not, but for all the things we do I can't see how two housing spaces are going to make a difference in the housing shortage," volunteer Jack Poole said.
The food bank inside the Caldwell Family Centre on Medfort Street in Ottawa. (Jackie Perez/CTV News Ottawa)
Ottawa Community Housing says it has offered the Caldwell Family Centre "the only existing other space available' in the area at the Bellevue Community Centre.
Matheson says while the Caldwell Family Centre is thankful for the offer, the space is not adequate.
"We'd have to move the refrigerators, freezers in here and we would not have space for a lot of the other programming," Matheson said.
If the public knows of any potential locations or have any suggestions for a community centre that would be available, you are asked to contact Matheson at the Caldwell Family Centre.
"If we can find another space that is the same rent, which is free, it would be preferable so the programming at the Bellevue Community Centre could stay intact the way it is," Matheson says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.