Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Kingston is in the process of buying 206 Concession St., to be converted into stabilization residential housing spaces operated by Addiction and Mental Health Services – KFLA (AMHS), as recommended in a staff report.
Currently, stabilization residential housing spaces are temporarily offered in the west end of the city.
“We’ve seen the tremendous effects that stabilization housing can have and are glad to assist in providing a permanent, updated space for those who access these services,” said Ruth Noordegraaf, director of housing and social services. “The new space will offer approximately 18 beds for individuals who require stabilization away from other pressures and risks and a consistent place to stay.”
More than $5.6 million is being provided for the new project is being provided by the federal Rapid Housing Initiative and the city to purchase and renovate the space. This site was identified as it meets the criteria of the operation, and the building layout has retrofitting opportunity to meet the needs for this use.
Renovations will start shortly and will be completed by the end of 2024, a deadline established through the Rapid Housing Initiative.
A staff report presented to council in April recommended approval for:
Eight affordable housing, tiny home units at the unaddressed property on Maccauley Street to be constructed and operated by Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region and to be supported by an estimated $484,101 in RHI funding.
Eighteen-bedroom transitional housing, stabilization spaces at the location subject to an ongoing real estate acquisition process to be operated by Addiction & Mental Health Services – KFL&A and to be supported by an estimated $4.7 in RHI funding.
Three, two-bedroom affordable housing units for a total of six spaces at 253 Yonge Street to be operated by an operator subject to ongoing conversations and to be supported by an estimated $1.5 in RHI funding.
The RHI funding allocations are estimated at this time and staff may need to shift funding between the projects to address project surpluses and shortfalls arising during the construction process.
In total, the RHI round three allocation will create 29 new units/beds.