Q’n’A Document - “SAVE MASSEY” campaign
Date: March 14, 2025
PHARA Community Services (PHARA) thanks everyone who has reached out to the organization showing their support for the individuals, families, and children at 122 Massey Drive in North Bay. We continue to look for funding that will SAVE MASSEY. Below are answers the questions that have come forward to PHARA.
What is Massey?
Massey is a common name given to PHARA’s 48-unit affordable housing complex, located at 122 Massey Drive, North Bay known as Westwinds Village. These units are comprised of one, two and three bedrooms and provide affordable housing for residents. Eight of the units are reserved for PHARA’s Assisted Living Program.
Why is there a campaign to SAVE MASSEY?
“SAVE MASSEY: Everyone and Every-Body Deserves a Home” is a fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $7.9 million for the immediate structural rebuild and infrastructure needs of PHARA’s 48-unit affordable housing complex, at 122 Massey Drive, North Bay. The building provides one, two, and three bedrooms rental options, including Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) subsidized rent, market rent, and numerous units designated for Assisted Living services. Without the funding, the community is at risk of losing this affordable housing. PHARAs goal is to keep Massey open and providing homes for years to come.
When did PHARA learn there were structural issues at Massey?
In the fall of 2024, PHARA was made aware of that there was serious and significant structural repairs needed. PHARA immediately began working with the tenants, DNSSAB, City of North Bay, fire department, architects, engineers, restoration companies, Ontario Health, and other community partners to temporarily address the matter. At the beginning of March, 2025, PHARA confirmed the cost estimations, and launched the fundraising campaign for $7.9 million to address the permanent structural repairs and immediate infrastructure needs of Massey.
Why is the need to repair immediate?
The work completed to date is temporary and not a long-term solution. Permanent structural repairs and needed infrastructure projects are required to be done as soon as possible to ensure the ongoing viability of the 48-unity affordable housing complex. It is essential that PHARA begins repair work by the summer in order to secure the future of Massey.
What happens if the funds are not raised?
If the funds are not raised, we are at risk of losing the 48 affordable homes. This thought is unbearable to our tenants and PHARA and we are doing everything we can to SAVE MASSEY. We will continue to fight every day to keep everyone and every-body in their home.
How was the maintenance funding spent for the last 30 years?
PHARA takes building management very seriously and safety is our top priority. We take every reasonable effort to allocate available dollars to ensure the responsible management of our properties. The issues identified at 122 Massey Drive surpass the limits of routine maintenance. As a result, PHARA is requesting support to obtain the $7.9 million to SAVE MASSEY.
Is PHARA doing this to increase rents?
No. We have stated very clearly to all of our partners, to our tenants, and to the media that these repairs are not being done to increase the cost of rent. The work which must be done to SAVE MASSEY must not increase the cost of rent. PHARA’s only goal is to make sure that people live in safe, secure, and affordable housing.
What is PHARA doing now while the fundraising campaign is running?
PHARA is working on a variety of fronts, including working with government and funding partners, launching a tendering process to receive formal quotes for the repairs, running the campaign to raise the necessary funds and, of course, continuing to provide leading independent living, affordable housing, and health care services to the community of North Bay.
When was 122 Massey Built?
The work on 122 Massey Drive began in 1993. Over the course of more than 30 years, Massey has been providing safe and affordable housing to the community of North Bay.
What can tenants do to help?
We welcome any and all efforts from tenants to raise awareness to help SAVE MASSEY. Our main focus right now is to contact key government officials, funding agencies, community organizations, and the community at large to help financially support the campaign. We welcome any support from tenants and the community.
Where will the tenants live if PHARA can start the project?
Once funds are secured, the tendering process is complete, and repairs can begin, PHARA has a plan to house all tenants within PHARA Housing sites. Temporary relocations will be required and we will work with everyone to ensure the temporary housing solutions proceed as smoothly as possible.
Why are there empty units at 122 Massey Drive?
PHARA has open units at the Massey site initially to allow for the short-term shoring work that needed to be done and now in preparation for reconstruction. It would be unfair to tenants to populate units that require work as they would have to move again during the construction process. Our goal is to secure the necessary funding, SAVE MASSEY, and open all of the units again for tenants.
Please note, this is a living resource and we will continue to update it as more information becomes available.