Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of St. Catharines has reinitiated efforts to find a developer to turn 320 Geneva St. into a project that includes affordable housing.
Council this week approved issuing of a negotiated request for proposal for the property, in an attempt to once again redevelop the surplus city land into a mixed-income housing development that includes a long-term affordable requirement. To address some ongoing health and safety concerns, the city will also demolish remaining buildings on the property.
The 3.9-acre property, formerly home to the community, recreation and culture services (CRCS) administrative offices and vehicle bays, was originally deemed surplus in February of 2020 and Council directed staff to look at redevelopment opportunities that included a component of social, affordable and market housing.
“While affordable housing does not fall under a lower-tier municipality’s jurisdiction, the City – and our new Council – is committed to supporting the creation of more affordable housing and will use any tools available to us to address the issue,” said Mayor Mat Siscoe. “As we look to find a proponent to redevelop the property, we are looking forward to seeing proposals come forward to help our vision become reality under the current market conditions.”
The new process will provide an opportunity to solicit purchase and redevelopment proposals from proponents to redevelop the property with the long-term affordable housing originally envisioned when the lands were deemed surplus and put on the market in 2020. Staff will also be working with partners to look at incentives and funding opportunities to support the private construction of affordable housing.
