St Catharines officially opens YWCA Niagara Region Oakdale Commons

There was a grand opening in St Catharines on Friday (September 17) that will help ease the housing burden in the city.

The $7 million YWCA Niagara Region Oakdale Commons, a 24-unit apartment building which is a mixture of permanent units and transitional family shelter units, had its big ribbon cutting Friday afternoon.

Of the total costs, $3 million came from the federal government while the remaining $4 million was raised by the St Catharines community.

“As we all know there is a need for housing in St. Catharines and Niagara and this is an example of working together, partnering and taking a creative approach to problems,” said Mayor Walter Sendzik.

“Thank you (Executive Director at YWCA Niagara Region) Elisabeth Zimmerman for having the vision and more so the fortitude and tenacity to get it done,” Sendzik continued. “Thank you to all members of the fundraising campaign, board members, donors and staff.”