The Mount Community Centre

05/08/2026

05/03/2026

Looking forward to our Medieval Bridal Fair
Saturday May 9, 2026
11am to 5pm
The Mount Community Centre
1545 Monaghan Road
Peterborough, Ontario

Tickets available at:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1983323666476?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/14/2026

Housing is Fundamental
The Mount Community Centre sees “housing as fundamental.”
For twenty years the housing situation in Peterborough has been documented through an annual report entitled “Housing is Fundamental.” When first developed the report authored by Paul Armstrong, was under the auspices of the City of Peterborough. More recently it is sponsored by the United Way of Peterborough on an annual basis.
Over these 20 years the report has analyzed policy as well as ‘on-the-ground reality’ to reveal the causes of housing shortages. The essays and editorials have stressed that housing cannot be uncoupled from the social, economic and health aspects of life. As Armstrong stated in the most recent report “inevitably what is important is the impact on day-to-day life.”
Here are some highlights from the most recent report of 2025. It is data like this that has helped direct the work of The Mount Community Centre.
(See data below)

So how has The Mount Community Centre been working to ensure that we see ‘housing is fundamental’?
“The Mount Community Centre is motivated by poverty reduction and community development. As we transform our iconic building and exceptional 10 acre grounds, we focus on affordable housing and food security, and work with partners with complementary values and expertise. The Mount Community Centre’s future is as a one-of-a-kind centre for the communities that we nurture and serve.”
To date we have developed housing as follows:
• 79 apartments (most of them affordable)
• A group of senior women live in a farmhouse in a shared-housing arrangement
• Five Peterborough men living with disabilities moving into a joined living space within The Mount Community Centre
But it is more than the physical four walls that support those who are now tenants. Thanks to partnerships, community agencies, and ongoing support for many of our tenants “the social, economic and health aspects of life” are being provided.
In the future, a new building on Monaghan Road will help The Mount Community Centre increase its’ housing supply with up to 32 new apartments.
Finally, just having purchased the former Bible College on Argyle, planning and partnering with community agencies will allow for up to 75 additional housing units and the development of a health and social service hub of support. Emphasis will be on having a strong health component.
Author: Dawn Berry Merriam
Board Member
The Mount Community Centre
Article # 4 March 2026

03/12/2026

What Really Makes a Municipality or Region Age Friendly?
Seniors for Social Action Ontario recently shared an editorial on What Really Makes a Municipality or Region Age Friendly?
The editorial states that “In 2006 the World Health Organization developed a Global Age Friendly Cities Project.” Eight key domains of what made cities age friendly were developed. These included: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services.

96% of people over 45 say they want to age in place. Most believe the support services needed won’t be there for them. Age friendly communities are supposed to be ones where health and community services are available to them. The editorial poses the question “But are they?”
To become a community that embraces all generations many partners and players are needed. Consider some of the key elements that are needed to build an age-friendly community. What follows are examples of what The Mount Community Centre (TMCC) has been doing to promote and support a community that embraces the needs of multiple generations which includes those wanting to age in place.
Housing that is safe and affordable is key to helping people remain in the community. TMCC is well-known for the mix of housing units developed over the past decade. It has developed a community for people of different ages and abilities. Indeed, it is a community.
Planning for the future includes the concept of a community campus. This campus includes the original Mount St. Joseph building, Marycrest at Inglewood and the new home of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s. In addition, plans are underway to build a new housing project at the corner of Monaghan and Woodland. When planning this future project, the important role that access to public transportation was key to building an accessible system of support for those who would live here.
In addition, the TMCC is the home for a project that is under the auspices of “Older Women Living Alone.” Five single women who now have an affordable place to call home that allows them independence and is built on the values of respect and social inclusion.
Further, the housing project, known as Shared Dreams for Independent Living, is a specialized initiative located at the TMCC, designed to provide independent living for young men with developmental disabilities. Again, it is supporting the ability for people with special needs to age in place. Further it provides support to the aging caregivers of these men.
In addition to the housing provided by TMCC, it is home to a number of community agencies. The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Day Programmes (ADPs) are designed to offer engagement and relaxation in a secure and home-like setting for older adults who routinely experience physical, social or cognitive challenges. St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church holds weekly services. A variety of private therapy services are located on the site. All of which support the concept of a community hub.
Finally, The Mount Community Centre has now purchased the former Bible College on Argyle Street in Peterborough. The intent is to again provide a mix of affordable housing types but also engage with community partners to develop a hub of support services. Further, both the TMCC and the Bible College are known for the availability of green space that is so vital to people who live in apartments if they are to thrive.
This is a quick overview of this type of planning, commitment and partnering that moves us to a community that supports people of many ages and abilities.
Author: Dawn Berry Merriam
Board Member
The Mount Community Centre

Article # 3 Feb. 2026

Send a message to learn more

02/28/2026

Supporting the City of Peterborough’s New Community Planning Permit By-law

The Mount Community Centre (TMCC) is supporting the new Community Planning Permit By-law, which will replace the City of Peterborough’s present Zoning By-law.

The City recently developed the draft Guiding Principles through community consultation as part of the ongoing ‘Planning for the Future of the Strategic Growth Areas’ project.
There are four main categories for the guiding principles and the following is an overview of The Mount Community Centre’s work in meeting these principles as of to date.

1. A diverse community: this principle supports the decade of the work of TMCC. Its’ housing has supplied homes for people from diverse backgrounds, be it economic, physical or social. It does this through providing affordable and accessible units, many of which have social supports through partnerships with community agencies. The planning and work of TMCC recognizes Peterborough’s changing and aging community. Its’ role in the local neighbourhood is preparing for the ability of residents to age in place.

2. A connected community: the location of the TMCC supports the ability of its residents to reduce the reliance on cars as it is on a major bus route and within walking distance to downtown and major shopping.

3. A complete and resilient community: TMCC has transformed a heritage building into a social hub that includes housing and partnerships with community support agencies. It has held the principal of sustainability and resilience as one of its’ major commitments to neighbourhood inclusion. Its’ green infrastructure supports community gardening and in turn access to food. One of the main attributes of the property is the maintenance of a green infrastructure that is used by the residents and the neighbourhood.

4. A fiscally responsible community: The work of TMCC has its’ roots in the historic development that commenced with the Sisters of St. Joseph’s. The building of new housing has resulted in major investment in the local construction and labour force, both private and public.

The work of The Mount Community Centre (TMCC) supports the City’s Official Plan and its pursuit of building strong and comprehensive neighbourhoods.

Article #2 March 2026

Send a message to learn more

02/24/2026

Volunteer Volunteer Co-ordinator

Help Us Make a Difference: Volunteer Volunteer Coordinator Wanted!

Are you passionate about community building and empowering others?

The Mount Community Centre is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer Volunteer Coordinator to join our team! We are looking for a people-person to help us recruit, place, train, recognize and support the amazing individuals who make our mission possible.

What You’ll Do:

Recruit and Interview: Build relationships to attract new volunteers, interview to find out their passions, talents and skills desires.

Coordinate: Schedule, place, and delegate tasks to volunteers to ensure smooth operations.

Support & Train: Act as the main point of contact, ensuring volunteers are supported, trained, and appreciated.

Manage Records: Maintain up-to-date records of volunteer hours, skills, and contact information.

Who You Are:

An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

Organized, proactive, and skilled in project management.

Experienced in using computer systems (MS Office, databases).

Passionate about our cause and working with diverse groups of people.

Previous experience in non-profit, HR, or volunteer management.

Why Join Us?

Make a direct, tangible impact in our community.

Be part of a supportive and passionate team.

Gain valuable experience in leadership and non-profit management.

Please Note:

This is a non-paid volunteer role, but the experience you’ll gain and the impact you’ll make are invaluable.

Interested?

Please send your resume and a brief note about why you’d be a great fit to [email protected] by Wednesday, March 18. Thank you!

02/19/2026

Love where you live!!! Apartments available at The Mount Community Centre
One Studio Apartment and a One Bedroom Apartment are available at The Mount Community Centre.
Studio Apartment A03 is 399 square feet in size and faces north with limited windows for natural light. Rent is $781.00 per month and includes heat, hydro, air conditioning, two appliances (stove and refrigerator), roller window blinds and shower facility only. This apartment is accessible by stairs only. The total maximum annual household income threshold for this studio apartment is $30,592. Applicants cannot make beyond that amount. Apartment is available March 1, 2026.
One-bedroom Apartment C410 is 609 square feet and faces north. Rent is $1,205.00 per month and includes heat, hydro, air conditioning, two appliances (stove and refrigerator) roller blinds and shower facility only. This apartment is accessible to the third floor by elevator, and then by set of stairs to the 4th floor. The total maximum annual household income threshold for this apartment is $50,000.00. Applicants cannot make beyond that amount. Apartment is available March 1, 2026.
On-site card operated laundry facilities are available for apartments at The Mount Community Centre. Permit parking is available for $10.00 per month. First and last month rent and CRA Notice of Assessment must accompany the application.
Visit our Website – www.themountpeterborough.ca for information. Applications are available at The Mount Community Centre, 1545 Monaghan Road, Peterborough, on Monday, February 23, Tuesday, February 24, and Wednesday, February 25 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Applications must be returned to Sue Toms, Property Manager, by Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 3:00 pm with all required documentation. Applicants will only be contacted if an interview is being offered.

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02/12/2026

The Mount Community Centre…. Successfully Tackling the Issue of Affordable Housing Shortage

Who says that the Mount is doing important things? Here are some documents that say we are going in the right direction to help our community.

As a community we have identified the need for safe and affordable housing. And here’s who have underscored the need for it and why The Mount Community Centre (TMCC) is playing a pivotal role in making this a better community.

The United Way of Peterborough’s Housing Fundamental Report for 2023 documented that the vacancy rate for this community is 1.1% (statistically unchanged from 1% in 2021). It was the lowest vacancy rate in Ontario for the second year in a row.

The City of Peterborough’s Official Plan stressed that “Housing is vital to the creation of healthy, sustainable, and complete communities. Residents of all ages, income levels and abilities rely on a range and mix of housing types to offer a meaningful place to grow and a safe and secure place to live. An appropriate range of housing choices contributes to the overall health and well-being of communities.”

The Age-friendly Peterborough Plan reinforces that the availability of a range of appropriate, affordable, accessible, and supportive housing options that incorporate flexibility through adaptive features, style and location choices, are essential for age-friendly communities. This is due to high rates of dependency. Rates of dependency refers to “area-level concentrations of people who don’t have income from employment, and includes seniors, children, and adults whose work is not compensated.” Peterborough’s rates are among the highest in the province.
The Mount Community Centre’s strategic vision is to develop and be a welcoming place that changes lives and builds stronger communities. In so doing it is successfully tackling the issue of housing.