The County of Wellington is requesting approval from the provincial government for the construction of an 11-unit affordable housing building for families in Palmerston.
The project is slated for the former Palmerston OPP Detachment property.
The building, which once housed administration, police and fire services for the town of Palmerston, was torn down after the OPP relocated to the new Teviotdale detachment in 2014.
The county owns the property located at 250 Daly Street and plans to start construction in the spring of 2017, with a tentative goal of occupancy in early 2018. The building will contain 11 two- and three-bedroom apartment-style units in a two-storey structure.
Through the federal government’s 2016 Social Infrastructure Fund and the Government of Ontario’s Investment in Affordable Housing Program, funding of $1.5 million has been allocated for the construction of affordable housing for families in Palmerston.
“Creating affordable housing options in the County of Wellington furthers the goals of the 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan for our community,” said outgoing Warden George Bridge.
“This new affordable housing building will help lower income families close the gap between their incomes and soaring housing costs.”
County councillor David Anderson, chair of the county’s social services committee, said, “When someone has a place to call home they are happier, healthier and more likely to pursue employment and contribute to their community.
“This initiative will help ensure everyone in Guelph and Wellington can find and maintain a safe and affordable place to call home.”
Last March, the province announced an update to its long-term affordable housing strategy.
The update focuses on making housing programs more people-centred and coordinated, and provides municipalities with flexibility to meet local needs.
