Erin to submit $1-million funding request for affordable housing project for seniors

ERIN – Town council has given staff the green light to apply for $1 million in county funding for a seniors housing project in Hillsburgh.

Erin staff will submit a request to the County of Wellington’s Community Housing Development Fund  in support of the Township of Erin Non-Profit Housing Corporation.

The county funding was initially part of $7 million set aside for a now-cancelled Continuum of Care project in Aboyne, which was to house as many as 400 people. 

When that project fell through, the county opted to divvy the funds up between its seven lower-tier municipalities to support affordable housing projects.

The Erin project will see the construction of a second building on the property of 15 Spruce Street in Hillsburgh, where the Meadowview Place residence currently stands. 

The existing building holds a 29-unit seniors residence and the property will grow to accommodate 20 more one-bedroom units following the construction of the second building. 

“They’re looking to put in a minimum of 20 new one-bedroom units for seniors aged 65 or older, provide affordable rent at approximately 80 per cent of market value and they would consider an opportunity for 10 rent-geared-to-income units through a partnership with the County of Wellington,” said Mayor Michael Dehn during a July 23 meeting of council.

“This addresses a demonstrated need within the community with more than 150 households already on the waiting list and it maximizes the use of the land that the ... non-profit already owns.”

Dehn added the facility would allow more seniors to age within the community as opposed to leaving town. 

Councillor Bridget Ryan expressed her support for the project but questioned the $400,000 budgeted for project management and consulting services.

“It’s almost 50% of the whole project,” said Ryan. 

Provided the funding request is approved by the county, Dehn said the $1 million will not cover the entire project cost but will cover things such as architecture and engineering. 

“We are helping facilitate them to get going and then they have to help themselves go further,” said Dehn.

He noted officials with the Township of Erin Non-Profit Housing Corporation stated they have some funds saved for the project and they will also seek funding from the federal and provincial governments, as well as charity organizations. 

Erin council unanimously approved the funding request to the county for the Hillsburgh project (councillor Jamie Cheyne declared a pecuniary conflict interest as he has a family member residing in one of the residences on the property).