The City of Cornwall has announced that it is ready to begin construction on a new affordable housing unit located on the corner of Ninth Street and McConnell Avenue.
This project is being funded by a $1,888,455 grant from the Cornwall and Area Housing Corporation from the province of Ontario's Social Services Relief Fund.
Cornwall Seaway News states that the site was identified as a high priority location in the City's Housing Revitalization plan. The City wants to build two buildings on this site but at this time can only afford to build one.
"The City of Cornwall will be providing a significant contribution to this capital project, both financially and administratively. Expanding our housing portfolio is the first step to meeting the high demand for both affordable and market units."
Manager of Social and Housing Services | Mellissa Morgan
The first building will consist of the following:
- Building will be five stories
- 33 single units
- 15 per cent will be fully accessible
- 4,100 square feet of commercial space will be included
A report received by Cornwall City Council from consulting firm Colliers International stated:
"The most direct connection between affordable housing and job creation is through the employment opportunities generated by construction and home repair. There is strong evidence that quality affordable housing also generates improved social and outcomes for low and moderate income households."
According to The Seeker, once the housing project is complete, it will be under the ongoing administration and portfolio of Cornwall and Area Housing Corporation (CAHC). CAHC will also be moving its offices to the commercial space which will be located on the main floor of the new building.
The affordable units are expected to be available to rent as early as December of 2021 and full construction is estimated to be completed by June of 2022.
The Social and Housing Services Department delivers programs and services to residents in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Programs include rent-geared-to-income, homelessness prevention, domiciliary program and Ontario Renovates.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the housing and homelessness sectors in Ontario have had to change the ways in which they provide services to vulnerable populations. The Social Services Relief Fund Phase 2 is providing $362 million in provincial and federal funding to help create longer-term housing solutions for people in need. They also want to ensure that the housing and homelessness sector has the tools and support to safely and successfully transition to recovery.
