Peterborough Housing receives award for excellence

Corporation's leadership role in Peterborough communities sets it apart in provincial contest

TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Peterborough Housing Corporation's commitment to the community and hard work creating new affordable housing has been recognized with an Award for Excellence by the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA). The award was given at the Association's 25^th annual conference and trade show this past weekend.

The Award for Excellence, one of ONPHA's annual awards, recognizes non-profit housing providers that respond to the needs of their tenants and community with imagination and insight. "While it's easy to find excellence in the way that the corporation has handled major events, like the 2002 and 2004 floods," says Sharad Kerur, ONPHA's Executive Director. "What stood out for us was the commitment and vision of PHC's staff and board and their desire to be a catalyst for positive change in Peterborough."

With the help of community partners, like the City of Peterborough, Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Aid Society, Community Living Peterborough and Fleming College, Peterborough Housing played a leadership role in revitalizing neighbourhoods and strengthening community bonds. "PHC's leadership and proactive work with communities has been transformative in many communities," says Kerur. "Their commitment to providing excellent service to current tenants while building for Peterborough's future housing needs is what really sets them apart."

The corporation's vision and commitment has bolstered the supply of affordable housing in the Peterborough area. With projects ranging from historic estates to state-of-the-art facilities, Peterborough Housing is helping ensure a range of affordable housing options that reflect the city's past and embrace its future needs. "We're committed to preserving Peterborough's history," says Darlene Cook, Peterborough Housing's CEO "but we also need to build for our future needs. Projects like affordable, accessible seniors' housing will mean that more people will be able to remain independent in the communities that they love."

About ONPHA:

For 25 years, the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) has been the voice of non-profit housing in Ontario.  Our 770 member organizations operate more than 163,000 non‐profit housing units in over 220 communities in Ontario. They provide affordable homes to a diverse range of tenants, including: seniors; low‐income families with children; Aboriginal people; the working poor; victims of violence and abuse; people living with developmental disabilities, mental illness, addictions and HIV/AIDS; and the formerly homeless/hard‐to‐house.

About the ONPHA Awards:

The award winners were announced during ONPHA's 2013 conference and trade show from October 18-20.  Over 1,100 representatives from Ontario's affordable housing sector gathered together for this three-day event, featuring 83 workshops and a trade show with 81 exhibitors.

Since 1997, many individuals and non-profits have been recognized for their contributions to the sector.  There are many more that deserve to be recognized and rewarded for their dedication to, and support of, non-profit housing. Videos of each award recipient are available at www.onpha.on.ca/awards.

Find ONPHA online:

www.onpha.on.ca
www.facebook.com/ONPHA
www.twitter.com/ONPHA
www.youtube.com/ONPHAjm
www.housingopensdoors.ca

SOURCE: Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA)

Media contacts:
Shard Kerur
Executive Director, ONPHA
416-723-2835
[email protected]

Darlene Cook
General Manager and CEO, Peterborough
Housing Corporation
705-742-0439, ext. 204
[email protected]