Hasting’s County could be in line for some new housing projects under a new initiative by the federal government.
The Rapid Housing Initiative is providing $1 billion available through two programs to support construction of up to 3,000 affordable housing units across Canada.
About half of that is available for smaller communities such as Hastings County and proposals must be submitted by the end of December.
The county has already discussed this with local developers and is looking at modular units.
Director of Community and Human Services Erin Rivers tells Quinte News, a project in Quinte West at the former school property would not meet the requirements but they will look at other projects and see what fits.
“Just looking at our own portfolio. Looking at opportunities in our own portfolio to expand and where would those be and would this project be suitable for the rapid housing initiative. So that’s currtently the work we’re undertaking right now.”
Warden Rick Phillip tells Quinte News the project will make a difference, but says, “the area needs more than that.”
The funding would cover the cost of modular housing construction, acquisition of land, and the conversion of existing buildings to affordable housing.
Each project must cost at least $1 million in order to qualify.
There will be a wide range of housing options available to help offset the increasing number of homeless residents in Hastings County.
This includes, but is not limited to; standard rental, transitional permit, permanent supportive housing, single-room occupancy, as well as seniors housing.
The housing must be available within 12 months of signing agreements.
Government funding must allocated by March 31, 2021.
