Federal, provincial governments make affordable housing investments
The federal and provincial governments have announced a combined $2 million in funding for affordable housing projects in Sarnia and Thunder Bay.
In Sarnia, the governments have planned to spend $1.3 million to create 24 new affordable rental housing units for seniors.
"Our government knows that housing affordability is a problem in communities across Ontario, that's why it's important that the governments of Ontario and Canada are investing $1.3 million to build affordable housing right here in Sarnia,” said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey. “These innovative 24 modular housing units will ensure vulnerable seniors in our community have a safe and affordable place to call home."
The new development, which will be located at 993 Maxwell Street and operated by the County of Lambton, will provide one-bedroom apartments for seniors and six will be fully accessible. The three-storey addition will be modular in design and assembled using prefabricated units. It will include barrier-free access throughout, an elevator, and energy efficiency features.
Funding for the project is being delivered through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, which is a joint initiative by the governments of Canada and Ontario. The initiative provides funding to repair, regenerate and expand community housing so tenants can live in affordable homes.
In addition to the joint federal and provincial funding, the county will contribute $1.7 million to the build from the Housing Reserve Fund. It hopes to receive further funding through the Federal Rapid Housing Initiative in the coming months.
The build is currently in the final stages of the RFP process. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring, with residents moving in later this year.
“The modular build process allows us to complete the project in a shorter time frame than a traditional build,” said Kelly Hall, Housing Services Manager. “Having the physical build taking place indoors, off site prevents some potential delays due factors like poor weather, and allows for the building process and site preparation to take place simultaneously.”
In Thunder Bay, the governments have committed to providing $750,000 through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) to support the completion of an affordable-rental unit construction project.
The six new affordable community housing units for older adults with disabilities at 1100 Lincoln Street were developed under the Rental Housing Component of the OPHI.
A vacant commercial space in the building was converted into accessible residential apartments featuring roll-in showers, wheelchair-accessible kitchens and on-site amenities including scooter parking and charging stations.
"We saw an opportunity to convert unused space in our residential building to accommodate individuals needing accessible housing, and we are so grateful to the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative for making this possible,” said Lucy Kloosterhuis, Chair of the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board.