Ontario Construction News staff writer
The County of Simcoe has approved a 50-unit affordable housing project including a mixed family and seniors building in Bradford West Gwillimbury on land that was donated by the town.
It is expected that the development will “create an attractive streetscape with good connectivity to transit and adjacent walking trails” within walking distance of the future civic plaza, downtown commercial amenities, elementary schools, ample green space parks, and the GO Station.
The municipality also approved waiving fees for the site plan, development engineering, and building permit applications. In addition, the Town has generously offered to contribute toward the cost of relocating the overland storm water flow route through the site.
“This project aligns with our 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy, creating new affordable housing units in a high demand area of the County,” said County Warden George Cornell.
Anticipated Timeline:
- Planning approvals and site plan application will take approximately nine months
- Design development and working drawings can be prepared simultaneously and be ready by December 2021 to early 2022
- Construction is expected to begin in early spring 2022
- Anticipated completion date of end of 2023
“The Town is pleased to partner with the County on this important initiative and construct a building design that our residents can be proud of, while also addressing growing needs within our community,” said Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Rob Keffer.
In 2014, the county set a target to create 202 new homes in Bradford.
Once this development is complete in 2023 (pending approvals), the county and partners will have achieved 63 per cent of our housing goals for the municipality.
Looks like a prison complex….no balconies