Guess how long the waiting list is for affordable housing in St. Catharines?
The city has one of the highest rates of affordable housing need in Niagara, with a waiting period of approximately 12 years for a one-bedroom unit.
An official groundbreaking was held today for a new affordable housing complex coming to 527 Carlton Street in St. Catharines.
Once completed, the development at 527 Carlton Street will consist of 64 one-bedroom units, eight two-bedroom units and 13 accessible units, which will be a combination of one-and two-bedroom units.
The two-bedroom accessible units are designed to accommodate a caregiver or medical equipment.
The St. Catharines development received more than $11 million in funding from the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario through the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement.
Today's event also celebrated other affordable housing developments in Niagara, including Birchwood Place at 235 Fitch Street in Welland, which received more than $6.2 million in funding for 67 units of affordable housing and Gateway Residential & Community Support Services at 4750 Huron Street in Niagara Falls, which received $730,000 in funding for nine units of affordable housing for persons with mental health challenges.
Meantime, Niagara Regional Housing contributed $4,689,060 from their reserves toward the new Carlton Street project.