Posted On: March 24, 2026, Posted By: YorkRegion.com. Original Article.
Redevelopment of Blue Door’s emergency housing program, Kevin’s Place, in Newmarket is moving forward with strong community support and meaningful purpose.
With an anticipated completion date set for the end of October, this initiative will transform a 100-year-old home on an underutilized property into a modern community of 14 three-story stacked townhouses designed to deliver dignified, accessible, and affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness.
With guidance from EllisDon Community Builders and Buttcon, the foundation has been dug, the concrete slabbing is complete, the metal framing is up, and the wood framing is well underway.
This redevelopment reflects a strategic, compassionate use of land to expand housing options where traditional market solutions are falling short.
Across Canada, the need for affordable housing has reached unprecedented levels.
A national analysis by the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate highlights that in 2023, the country is currently missing approximately 4.4 million affordable homes, including deeply affordable units for low-income households and individuals who could live independently if affordable options existed.
This shortfall represents a significant barrier for households across the income spectrum trying to secure stable housing.
The redevelopment reflects Blue Door’s commitment to creating permanent, affordable housing options that address homelessness at its roots, not just by responding to immediate need, but by building pathways to stability, dignity, and lasting community connection.
The design of the 14 stacked townhouses emphasizes accessibility and quality of life.
Each townhouse will meet accessibility standards to ensure residents with diverse needs can live with dignity and autonomy.
“This redevelopment represents a defining moment for Blue Door as we expand from emergency response into long-term housing solutions,” chief operating officer, Emmy Kelly, said.
“It demonstrates how communities can reimagine existing spaces to create homes that foster belonging, opportunity, and a stronger future for everyone.”
This transformative redevelopment of Kevin’s Place was made possible through the generous support of Blue Door’s key funders and community partners.
Blue Door extends its deepest gratitude to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through the 2024 Seed Funding, Hockey Helps the Homeless, J.P. Bickell Foundation, The Home Depot Canada Foundation, Magna International, Newmarket Rotary Club, Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Regional Municipality of York, United Way Greater Toronto, and Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.
Their commitment and leadership are helping create safe, supportive spaces where youth, adults, seniors, and families can rebuild their lives and thrive.
Blue Door is committed to building communities where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Through projects like the redevelopment of Kevin’s Place, Blue Door is moving beyond temporary solutions and investing in permanent, affordable housing that creates real opportunities for stability and independence.
“A safe, dignified home changes everything! Kevin’s Place will give individuals the stability and confidence to focus on their health, relationships, and goals, creating the foundation needed to move forward and fully participate in a thriving community,” Kelly said.
Blue Door is committed to building communities where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Through projects like the redevelopment of Kevin’s Place, Blue Door is moving beyond temporary solutions and investing in permanent, affordable housing that creates real opportunities for stability and independence.
As this project is Blue Door’s first affordable housing development, the redevelopment of Kevin’s Place marks an important milestone — one that helps pave the way for the innovative, bold new solution, Housing for All.
Blue Door is proud to help lead this work, strengthening communities across Newmarket and York Region by transforming underutilized spaces into places of hope, dignity, and belonging.