Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is contributing $1.25 million to help build 25 affordable housing units for people over the age of 55 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Brantford.
“Our government knows how critical it is to support innovative solutions, like these new modular homes in Brantford, through our $765 million Social Services Relief Fund,” said Steve Clark, minister of municipal affairs and housing.
“These modular units can be built fast, allowing us to connect more people to the homes and supports they need. This is critical as we work to keep our most vulnerable residents safe and housed, both during the pandemic and into the future.”
Located at 177 Colborne Street West, the modular units are part of a five-storey apartment complex that is situated on a transit corridor. The location will provide residents with easy access to public transit and the building will include amenities such as bike storage and a small backyard.
Construction on the new housing complex is expected to be completed by December 2021.
“These affordable homes will make a real difference in our community by providing vulnerable residents in Brantford with stability and security, and help them regain their independence,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford—Brant.
The announcement is part of the province’s $765 million Social Services Relief Fund to help municipalities and Indigenous program partners create longer-term housing solutions and support vulnerable Ontarians affected by COVID-19, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“There are currently over 1,700 households on the community housing waitlist, whereby some applicants have a wait of between eight and twelve years,” said Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “Made more acute by the negative economic impacts of the pandemic, the need for more affordable housing in our community has never been greater.”
Brantford has been allocated over $6.7 million in 2020-21 through Ontario’s Social Services Relief Fund which is designed to help municipalities and Indigenous program partners deliver critical services, such as shelters, food banks, funding for rental arrears and housing.
“Whether you live in the city or the county, the availability of affordable housing is an issue,” said David Bailey, Mayor of the County of Brant. “Our residents deserve housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. We are grateful for this funding opportunity to support affordable housing and to assist those in need.”
The City of Brantford also received more than $6 million in 2020-21 through the joint federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement, and over $1.2 million in provincial COVID-19 financial relief for municipalities to address ongoing COVID-19 operating costs, help ensure the delivery of critical services and keep capital projects on track.