Guelph considering containers for harm reduction social housing

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

The city of Guelph wants to build a housing community with converted shipping containers on a piece of city-owned land, to be used as harm reduction social housing.

According to a preliminary plan, 10 shipping containers will become homes for singles and couples. They would be arranged in a herringbone pattern with all plumbing services at one end to keep things efficient. In additional to residences, one unit could be added for laundry, office space or other community supports.

The project has gained support from many industry professionals with a local project manager/builder, architect, engineer and planner offering volunteer services.

“The professional supports will offer guidance to help navigate a complex process to develop a new housing project that grass roots community lead organizations cannot be expected to understand or navigate through alone,” Alex Goss, Manager Community Investments said in a report to city council.

The project could cost  up to $600,000 for buying units. Each 40 by eight foot unit has an estimated cost of $50,000.

About 15 per cent of the cost could be covered by a grant from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the remainder would be eligible for a low-interest loan.

A report to council suggested private funding sources and potential locations. The next step could be public consultation and details including potential sites will be presented in a report to council next year.

 

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