Ontario Construction News staff writer
The County of Huron has approved a development project for a 39-unit apartment in Goderich, to fill a gap in Huron County’s housing inventory. It will offer a range of one-bedroom units including affordable, rent-geared-to-income (RGI), and supported units.
“It takes an entire community, including multiple levels of government and many stakeholders, to create a welcoming atmosphere for the type of supported and affordable housing we need in Huron,” Huron County Warden Glen McNeil said in a statement. “This development represents a collaborative effort that will make a meaningful difference in our community.”
The 39-unit apartment building will include 10 supported units, as well as 29 rent-geared-to-income (RGI) and/or affordable units.
The initial building design concept was completed by local architect Jason Morgan of Allan Avis Architects and features a four-storey brick building which steps down to three storeys along Gibbons Street.
The total capital cost of the building is estimated to be approximately 20.4 million and staff estimate the project will take approximately 24-30 months to complete. County of Huron staff will apply to the Ministry of Health to provide ‘wrap around’ supports to members of the community transitioning from homelessness.
Goderich Town Council, the current owner of the lands, has agreed in principle to transfer a 1.1. acre portion of the lands to the County to support this build. Both town and county councils have approved the required planning approvals to permit the development.
“This project directly addresses a critical need for more affordable and supported housing in our community,” said Town of Goderich Mayor Myles Murdock. “Goderich Town Council is pleased to see this project moving forward.”
There are currently 575 names on the waitlist for rent-geared to income units in Huron County and the highest need for affordable housing is for one-bedroom units in Goderich.