From the Desk of Hazzem Koudsi, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
Earlier this month I had the honour of being the emcee for an occasion that came with conflicting emotions of happiness and opportunity on one side, and deep reflection and appreciation on the other.
On September 9th, Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings held its historic demolition ceremony. It was important to me that we took the time to reflect on the building at 93 Dundas St E, Belleville, that provided 65 years of institutional service through the Calvary Temple, and then the Belleville Police Service. Those 65 years of critical social service cannot be forgotten and should be respected.
With such a rich history, I took it upon myself to dive into some light reading at the public library to share some interesting details. According to the archives, this particular parcel of land was owned by Mr. Ham in the early 1800’s. I’m guessing that’s when city planning was born as The Harris Block of land was established in 1850. 93 Dundas was Block A, which included lots 1,2 and 3 where many homes were constructed.
In the mid 1900’s, the Calvary Temple bought one of the parcels of land in the Harris block and converted the building into the Calvary Temple. In March 1960, co-ministers Reverend Laurie Price and Hope Smith opened the new Calvary Temple which you see today. They relied on significant community involvement to build this facility. Then in 1984, the City of Belleville acquired the church so it could move the Belleville Police Service from the cramped spaces on Campbell St to the “modern” building at 93 Dundas.
Looking ahead, we now celebrate the opportunity to start a new future that provides us with a building that will last at least 100 years and provide hard working families in our community with affordable home ownership opportunities. For 160 years, past and future, this location will be known for its iconic structures and social contribution to its citizens through religion, community protection and affordable home ownership.
I want to re-enforce that this project is all about community. Just like the Calvary Temple being built in the mid 1900’s, this building will require the community to come together to make it a reality. The edge of old East Hill will have 66 new homeowners to support downtown businesses, potentially open new businesses of their own, contribute to charities in our community, volunteer with other charities, basically give back and strengthen our social fabric.
In other words, we are working to restore the middle class that is key to a strong, thriving, and vibrant community. And therefore, by supporting Habitat PEH whether through volunteering, dropping off a donation at the ReStores, or a monetary donation, you are investing in all of our future well-being. Together, we build Habitat Village.