Ontario Construction News staff writer
A 145-unit affordable housing project by the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (WECHC) has opened in Windsor.
Meadowbrook Place is Ontario’s largest “passive house” multi-residential building and features 145 units of much needed housing for those of all income levels including individuals, small families and seniors. The complex features 46 accessible units, and includes both indoor and outdoor shared spaces, and outdoor fitness equipment. Construction on the project began in late November 2019 and began welcoming residents in the Summer of 2023.
Funding included $33.8 million from the federal government through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) and about $5 million from the Ontario government through the Social Infrastructure Fund (SIF), the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) program.
Construction on the project began in late November 2019 and began welcoming residents in the Summer of 2023.
“Building affordable housing today is more important than ever, and that is exactly what we are doing for residents of Windsor—Tecumseh through our National Housing Co-Investment Fund. This historic project – the first public housing project in our community in thirty years – is possible because of strong partnerships and strong federal leadership on housing,” said Irek Kusmierczyk, MP for Windsor-Tecumseh.
The Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) is an ambitious, 10-year plan that will invest more than $82 billion to give more Canadians a place to call home.
Budget 2022 proposes $2.9 billion to accelerate the creation of up to 4,300 new units and the repair of up to 17,800 units.
The Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) is a program under the CMHC-Ontario Bilateral Agreement. This 10-year agreement provides more than $5.75 billion to protect, renew and expand community housing; support Ontario’s priorities related to housing repair, construction, and affordability; and deliver direct affordability support to Ontarians who need housing.
“Today is a day of celebration, Meadowbrook Place represents the accomplishments of so many people and organizations, from our amazing community partners to the senior levels of government,” said Cynthia Summers, CEO of Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation. “The most important thing to celebrate today is that Meadowbrook has become an integral part of our neighbourhood – a vibrant and welcoming community that our tenants and their families now proudly get to call home.”