MINTO – Council here has approved possibly the last structural grant of the year for $15,000.
The report was presented at a Nov. 18 meeting by town director of economic and community development Belinda Wick-Graham.
The grant application is for a Palmerston building at 218 Main St. W., also known as the Teenie Tiny Toys shop building.
The property was recently purchased by 2626514 Ontario Ltd.
“The second floor was a vacant space and the new owners are proposing to put in two, two-bedroom apartments,” Wick-Graham told council.
“The proposed rental rate is around $1,400.”
Due to the significant renovations needed, the total project cost is about $209,000 not including taxes.
The proposed work includes:
– new 400a hydro service;
– new fire doors, fire drywall and insulation for safe exit route;
– emergency lighting, smoke detectors and entrance signs;
– new electrical, plumbing and heating systems;
– repair flooring and ceiling structure and
– frame walls, fire and sound separations between neighbouring buildings and apartments.
Wick-Graham and director of building and planning services Terry Kuipers are in support of a $15,000 grant.
“The County of Wellington has also reviewed this grant and is proposing a grant from the county as well,” Wick-Graham added. “This is definitely meeting a housing need.”
Councillor Ron Elliott asked, “Will there be parking available for this because I know it’s always a struggle downtown?”
“There is no on-site parking for this property,” Kuipers said.
“The property line is front wall, back wall, but there are parking spaces available at The Old 81 to be rented out.”
Council approved the report unanimously, leaving just over $700 in the Community Improvement Plan budget for this year.
