In recognition of National Housing Day on November 22, the Region of Durham is spotlighting the work being done to develop more housing that it says is affordable, accessible and appropriate for the community.
Projects take time to get ready while, the need for affordable housing is now, according to activists (see below).
Last month, the region announced there are more than 1,000+ on the Durham by-name homeless list, up from 800+ in August. This does not include those who are not registered. With the withdrawal of rental support, some 200+ persons – including 144 children – may face home insecurity as winter approaches (see below).
Redeveloping Properties
The region said it is redeveloping some of the Durham Housing properties to increase the number of units and create modern, mixed-income communities. These properties, which are owned and operated by the Region of Durham, include:
- 409 Centre Street in Whitby: This redevelopment will replace an outdated two-storey, 16-unit seniors building with a new three-storey, 30-unit building.
- Christine Crescent and Normandy Street in central Oshawa: The Christine Crescent redevelopment will replace 12 outdated semi-detached units with two new mid-rise apartment buildings, totalling 160 units. The redevelopment on the west side of Normandy Street will replace 10 units with 18 new units.
- Malaga Road in south Oshawa: The redevelopment will replace 65 townhouse units with two new mid-rise apartment buildings, as well as stacked townhouses with 420 units.
- 600 Townline Road in east Oshawa: The new development will provide 50 units within a mid-rise apartment building.
The redevelopment completion dates were not mentioned.
60 Affordable Units at Ritson
The region said it is seeking development partners for the first phase of the Ritson School Project. This phase will create up to 200 mixed-income rental units on a vacant part of the property, with at least 30 per cent of each building dedicated to affordable units. The project also includes plans to renovate the former elementary school for community use.
350 New AHIP Units
Since launching the At Home Incentive Program (AHIP) three years ago, regional council has approved $30.5 million in AHIP funding to help create 350 new affordable rental units in Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby.
The AHIP program was launched to support the development of affordable rental housing by providing capital funding and Regional planning services to public and private sector partners.
“Affordable housing is essential for thriving communities. When people have stable, affordable housing, they can focus on their families, work, education and being active members of their community, said Gary Muller, Region Director of Affordable Housing Development and Renewal. “That’s why we’re working closely with private and public sector partners to build homes that meet real needs—homes that are inclusive, affordable and accessible.”