About Us
History
The Ayr and District Citizens Association has played a pivotal role in shaping the community’s development. In 1980, the association proposed an adult apartment complex on Stanley Street, aiming to address the growing need for senior housing. The project, designed by architect George Cortes, planned 32 units in two-floor clusters, blending seamlessly with Ayr’s character. Despite initial challenges, the association’s commitment to affordable housing laid the foundation for future initiatives.
By 2017, the association expanded its efforts with the Kirkwood Apartments. A two-storey addition was proposed, adding 16 subsidized units, with plans for an optional third storey contingent on federal funding. Supported by local and regional governments, this project reinforced the association’s mission to provide affordable housing, building on its legacy of community-focused development.
Today, the Ayr and District Citizens Association continues to champion accessible housing, ensuring Ayr remains a vibrant and inclusive community.
New Clips Part 1
New Clips Part 2
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Ayr Paper 1980 Article
Ayr Paper 2017 Article
Kirkwood Phase Two
Non-Profit Registration Details
Mission
At Ayr and District Citizens Association, everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That's why we are dedicated to providing high-quality non-profit housing options for low-income and vulnerable populations in our community.
We work tirelessly to secure funding and resources to build and renovate housing units, and we are committed to providing support services that help our residents thrive.
We are passionate advocates for policies and practices that promote equity and combat homelessness. By creating a foundation of stable housing for our community members, we hope to empower them to build better lives and contribute to the vitality of our community.
Vision
The vision of the Ayr and District Citizens Association for non-profit housing involves providing affordable and safe housing options for members of the community.
Ayr and District Citizens Association works to address homelessness and housing insecurity by building or managing affordable housing developments for low-income individuals and families.
Values
Housing is a Human Right
We believe that adequate, safe and secure housing is a fundamental human right. We are committed to providing quality, affordable housing that is thoughtfully designed and responsive to the needs of tenants, recognizing that stable and secure housing improves the quality of life.
Equity, Integrity and Respect
We respect and value the diversity of people in our community. We adhere to high ethical and professional standards in our work and relationships. We are fair and respectful in our interactions and treat everyone with respect and dignity.
Accountability and Sustainability
We are accountable for our actions. We accept responsibility for our performance and share the results of our work in an open and transparent manner. We balance fiscal prudence with asset preservation, environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Collaboration and Community
Creativity and Innovation
Through collaboration and partnerships, we work with others to achieve common goals, build communities and create places to call “home”. We provide support services to our tenants to develop communities where each person is valued and has a sense of belonging.
We are open to change and we continuously seek new approaches to enhance the development and operation of affordable housing.
Board of Directors
Back Row: Sue Cortnage, AnneMarie Salverda, Pat Elliott, Diane Schmidt, Anne Lovett-Hutchinson, Dorothy Koster, Christine Cochrane, Bonnie Brown
Front Row: Brian Lund, Bruce Shorney, Mike Schmidt, Jodi Budd, George Schmidt, Gerry Ball
Absent: Ron Hagedorn, Christine Tryon
Join Our Board
Are you passionate about creating a more equitable and inclusive community?
Consider joining the board of directors for the Ayr and District Citizens Association!
As a member of our board, you can contribute your skills and expertise toward developing and implementing our non-profit housing initiatives. You will work alongside a dedicated and diverse group of individuals to address homelessness and housing insecurity in our community.
We seek candidates with a strong commitment to social justice and a desire to impact the lives of those in need positively. Experience in non-profit management, community organizing, or housing policy is a plus but not required.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Ayr and District Citizens Association board of directors, please submit a brief statement outlining your qualifications by clicking the button below.
We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the team!
Team
Mike Nielsen
Building Manager
Barbara
Wiebe-Cisecki
TBD.
TBD.
Office Manager