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CCRC to Relocate Some Programs to Prime Downtown Location

January 26th, 2010

Multi-level Partnerships ensures service delivery to clients continues in downtown core and creates economic stimulus

Peterborough - On Tuesday, Community Counselling and Resource Centre (CCRC) announced an upcoming move to a new location in a building owned by George Street United Church (GSUC), in an annex adjacent to the historic church, to dignitaries and community members.  Made possible from various funding streams, including federal and provincial agencies, and by a unique partnership with CSUC, CCRC also highlighted its public campaign to complete this move.

Among the dignitaries present at the announcement were MP Dean DelMastro, MPP Jeff Leal, Mayor Paul Ayotte, Warden J. Murray Jones and Ontario Trillium Foundation representative Eileen Nolan.  Community members along with various guests received a tour of the space that is currently under renovations.

Announcement of new location

"It has been the goal of CCRC to increase its community impact through a visible, accessible, client-friendly, environmentally-friendly, affordable and central location, featuring a resource centre and expanded space for programs, public education and community meetings," said Don Cumming, President of the Board of Directors of CCRC.  "We are pleased to announce that we have met this goal through a new partnership with George Street United Church and through the generous support of multiple funders and partners."

CCRC will lease over 6,000 sq. ft. of property from GSUC.  This will revitalize space that has been underutilized, bringing new life and meaning to an important downtown location.  The renovations project will generate $500,000 in construction and purchasing in the community and will generate the equivilent of 3.75 construction jobs.

The new location will allow CCRC to move from its current three sites to two sites, increasing the total space available to the agency to over 9,000 sq. ft., a growth of over 3,000 sq. ft. from our current locations.  CCRC will move its Credit Counselling Services, Housing Resource Centre, Community Service Order Program and administrative offices to the new location at George Street.  CCRC's Counselling Services will continue to operate from its location at 459 Reid Street.  Counselling group programs, public education programs and community meetings will also move to the George Street location where expanded meeting space will be available.

The partnership with GSUC offers opportunities that meet CCRC's strategic goals for an appropriate downtown location and that will allow it to grow in services offered, visibility, partnerships and connections with the community.

Community partnerships will be fostered by the increased visibility for CCRC through the new location, encouraging community members to connect with CCRC for services, training and volunteer opportunities.

Funders and partnerships making this new location possible

CCRC was pleased to announce significant funding commitments that have made thsi partnership and the new use of this space possible.  These commitments are supporting needed renovations to make the space at GSUC appropriate for use by CCRC and are supporting the move to the new location.  CCRC was proud to announce and thank these funders and partners, including:

• Industry Canada - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
•   $150,000 Contribution Agreement through the Community Adjustment Fund.
• The Ontario Trillium Foundation
• $100,000 grant for renovations.
• Eastern Ontario Development Corporation - Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation
• $150,000 no-interest Access to Capital Loan for cash-flow purposes
• $10,000 Community Capacity Building Grant for renovations
• George Street United Church
• $140,000 in leasehold improvements
• Other donations
• $20,000 to support the move of the Housing Resource Centre to its new location

Commitments from funders

"I am pleased to be here today to witness the next step in this process," stated MP DelMastro.  "This project is well worth our support - both nationally and locally.  On the federal level, this project will help to provide jobs to stimulate the economy.  On a local level, the Community Couselling and Resource Centre is a great community partner in providing support, resources and assistance to all members of our communities.  This past September, I was pleased to offer concrete financial support on behalf of the Government of Canada to help the Centre reach tis goals.  With that said, they will always have my personal support and the support of my Office for their programs, resources and clients."

"On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation and the Federal Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev), we are very pleased to have worked with the Community Counselling and Resource Centre in approving $160,000 in funding for their renovation project.  CCRC is to be commended for the work that is ongoing in our community and for seeing this project to fruition.  Our community will benefit greatly from having their services under one roof in a transparent and accessible location in downtown Peterborough," stated George Gillespie, Board Chair, Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation.

"The services that the Community Counselling and Resource Centre offer to this community are vital.  This funding will facilitate the merging of several of their locations into this new larger space in an easily accessible location.  It will mean one stop shopping for those seeking information and guidance on credit counselling, housing and the Community Service Order Program while accommodating administrative offices.  This is good news for our community," said Jeff Leal MPP.

Make the Move Campaign

With the commitments noted above, CCRC was proud to announce that 84% of its $500,000 funding goal for this move has been achieved.  CCRC unveiled its Make the Move campaign, with a goal of $80,000, to allow it to complete the renovations and move.

CCRC was pleased to announce tha $3,600 has already been donated to the Make the Move campaign, from the Peterborough Foundation.  This donation provides the funds needed for new signs to ensure ongoing visibility for the agency at the new location.  Judy Loukras, CCRC Board member and Chair of the Make the Move campaign, invited all members of the Peterborough community to help CCRC make its move.  Donations can be made by contacting CCRC at 742-4258 or by visiting the CCRC website at http://www.ccrc-ptbo.com/www.ccrc-ptbo.com