Learning About One City Peterborough’s Housing Strategy
On May 12, I attended One City Peterborough’s Opening Doors event, where the organization discussed its work to create and protect transitional housing in our community.
One City currently manages residential properties and works with local partners to provide housing for people transitioning out of homelessness. Its approach includes purchasing existing properties, creating additional residential units, and developing smaller independent spaces that give residents greater privacy and autonomy.
The event demonstrated that addressing homelessness requires a range of housing options. Emergency shelter remains necessary, but shelter alone cannot provide the stability associated with having a permanent place to live. Peterborough also needs transitional, supportive, deeply affordable, and accessible housing suited to people with different circumstances and levels of support.
One City’s work with Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes shows how additional residential units can make better use of existing properties. Basement apartments, backyard units, and other carefully designed additions will not solve the housing crisis on their own, but they can add homes relatively quickly while allowing community organizations to provide ongoing support.
The event also highlighted the importance of dignity. A private, stable home gives someone the ability to establish routines, maintain relationships, manage their health, and begin making longer-term plans. Housing policy should recognize that autonomy is not an optional benefit—it is part of helping people achieve lasting stability.
Municipal government cannot resolve homelessness by itself. It can, however, help community organizations navigate planning processes, make appropriate land available, coordinate with provincial and federal funders, and ensure that local housing strategies reflect frontline experience.
Attending events like this gives candidates and decision-makers an opportunity to hear directly from the organizations and residents closest to the issue.
Coverage note: Independent coverage appeared in “‘Dignity and autonomy’: One City Peterborough outlines plans to acquire more residential properties for transitional housing” by Bethan Bates, published by kawarthaNOW on May 13, 2026.