Northumberland County will consider a proposal to expand affordable housing in Colborne at its August 14 meeting.
Northumberland’s Social Services Committee is recommending county council approve the release of funds for the Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) to proceed with preliminary designs for the redevelopment and expansion of rental units at 123 King Street East, Colborne.
NCHC made a presentation to the Social Services Committee on Wednesday.
The county, in partnership with NCHC, purchased the 123 King St. East property in 2023, when it came up for sale, to preserve the local stock of affordable housing in Colborne.
The redevelopment proposal calls for the replacement of the property’s 22 aging units along with construction of up to 38 additional units.
An initial feasibility study at 123 King Street East determined the site could support construction of up to four three-storey buildings.
The new development will offer a variety of unit types, including smaller and larger apartments and would be a mix of Rent-Geared-to-Income and market rent housing to accommodate different needs.
The release of funds being recommended by the Social Services Committee will support pre-construction activities, including preparing a building design and budget.
There would be a phased approach to construction to ensure current tenants are able to continue living in their existing units until the new units are built, at which time all tenants in good standing will transition to the new accommodations.
“The approval of funds for preliminary planning for the King Street redevelopment will be a critical milestone in our ongoing efforts to increase the stock of affordable housing in Northumberland,” remarks NCHC Chair Victor Fiume. “This effort will not only enable us to replace aging units for the benefit of current tenants but also expand the number of affordable rental units available, meeting broader community need. As the largest provider of community housing in Northumberland, the NCHC continues to assess new opportunities to sustain and increase affordable housing options, building a stronger, more inclusive community.”
According to county officials, Northumberland residents face one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in Ontario, at just one per cent, and higher rental costs compared to neighbouring communities.
