Ontario Construction News staff writer
The provincial and federal governments have awarded $3 million to create 33 new affordable housing units in Stratford.
Funding comes from the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI); an initiative of the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy, the Social Infrastructure Fund (SIF), and the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement Extension (IAH-E).
The Ontario government is also providing $1 million in provincial funding through the social services relief fund (SSRF) to build an additional six affordable housing units in the project.
“Housing is a basic human need, and that’s why the 200 Britannia Street and 230 Britannia Street affordable housing projects are so critical for our community,” said Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma. “Everyone deserves to have a home that they can afford, without having to compromise other essentials.”Owned by the City of Stratford, the project will be built in two phases.
Phase one is a two-storey apartment building with 35 one- and two-bedroom units and barrier-free design. Residents have access to onsite laundry facilities, vehicle and bike parking, scooter storage and a LULA lift. Construction was completed in 2019 and residents have moved in.
Phase two isf 27 one- and two-bedroom units adjacent to phase 1 at 200 Britannia Street. It has a community garden, community room and outdoor patio, which residents of both buildings will be able to access.
Construction of the project is expected to be completed by Fall 2023.
“The Britannia Street Housing Project helps create more affordable homes in the Stratford community,” said housing minister Shean Fraser. “By contributing to projects like this one, and our commitment to work with all levels of government, we are helping Canadians get the support they need to build a home and a life in their community.”