The village of Colborne could be home to additional affordable housing units if Northumberland County council approves a proposal from the Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC).
Council will review a proposal at its August 14 meeting that suggests expanding the number of affordable housing units at 123 King St. E.
The decision will be before council following a recommendation that came forward during a meeting on Tuesday (July 31) of the county’s social services committee. After hearing a presentation from the NCHC, the committee is recommending county council approve the release of funds for NCHC to proceed with preliminary designs for the redevelopment of rental units at this location.
Mandy Martin, mayor of Cramahe Township and county councillor, said an approval would be good news for Colborne.
“This development builds on not only our Cramahe Township municipal commitment, but also our partnership with the seven municipal members of Northumberland County, to consider housing needs across the spectrum of needs,” Martin told kawarthaNOW.
“Cramahe is a small municipality with ‘can-do’ determination to honour and welcome all who understand strength in community.”
Northumberland County, in partnership with NCHC, purchased the King Street East property in 2023, when it came up for sale, to preserve the local stock of “deeply affordable housing” in Colborne.
The redevelopment proposal is for construction of up to 60 units at this location — 38 more than are currently on site — “to address the escalating need for affordable and attainable housing in Northumberland,” Northumberland County noted in a media release.
The new units would be a mix of rent-geared-to-income and market rent housing, serving residents with low-to=moderate incomes, including seniors and people with special needs.
“The release of funds being recommended by the social services committee will support pre-construction activities, including preparing a building design and budget,” the release noted. “The redevelopment will aim to replace the 22 aging rental units currently on site, while increasing density.”
“A phased approach to construction will 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.”
NCHC chair Victor Fiume said, “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.”
“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,” Fiume added. “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.”
Like elsewhere, Northumberland is seeing a growing need for affordable housing supports. County residents face one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in Ontario, at just one per cent, and higher rental costs compared to neighbouring communities, the county noted.
An initial feasibility study at 123 King St. E. determined the site could support construction of up to four three-storey buildings. The county said the new development will offer a variety of unit types, including smaller and larger apartments to accommodate different needs.
