A combined investment of over $3.3 million will support construction of 15 housing units in Windsor.
The project, located at 1106 Ouellette Avenue, will convert a two-storey building, formerly owned by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, into 15 permanent affordable housing units. Officials say it represents a unique opportunity for the healthcare system to help build affordable housing and shows how existing infrastructure can be leveraged to tackle the housing supply crisis.
“The 1106 Ouellette Avenue project signifies a significant step forward in our mission to provide sustainable, affordable housing options for our community,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “By creating these 15 self-containing permanent housing units, we help lay the foundation for housing initiatives that prioritize the well-being and stability of all our residents.
“I look forward to the positive impact this latest initiative, combined with other affordable housing projects will have on the lives of those who call Windsor ‘home’.” – Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor
The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario announced funding earlier this month for the project, which will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 will receive $1.2 million in funding from the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) to build five units. Phase 2 will receive $2.1 million from the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) to build ten units.
The Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation purchased the building in 2021 and will be overseeing the conversion. Renovations are currently underway and expected to be completed in late 2024.
“We’re all hands on deck to solve Ontario’s housing supply crisis and I want to thank our federal and municipal partners for their dedication towards this goal,” said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowle. “Over $3.3 million and fifteen new affordable homes is huge news for Windsor as projects like these are critical to help reduce homelessness and provide housing stability for those who need it most.
“This is a made-in-Windsor solution and a true team effort that shows what we can achieve when all levels of government and community partners work together.”
The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) provides funding to repair, regenerate and expand community housing so tenants can live in a home that is affordable. It can also be used to support community housing providers whose original program arrangements are expiring and help them to become more sustainable.