Chatham-Kent Council is being asked to consider buying a nursing home to develop more affordable housing in the municipality.
In a report coming to council on Monday, administration is seeking approval to purchase the property at 110 Sandys St. in Chatham, the current location of Meadow Park Long-Term Care home, for $1.699 million.
Meadow Park, which is owned by Jarlette Health Services, will be vacating its current location by spring 2026 for a newly constructed facility on the corner of Keil Drive North and McNaughton Avenue West.
Administration is suggesting that the municipality convert the property into a housing development consisting of 34 affordable and attainable one-bedroom and bachelor-sized units. The estimated cost for preliminary designs and renovations is $8,864,115.
The report to council states the Sandys Street property would be an ideal location to develop affordable housing geared towards adults and seniors.
Should council vote in favour of the recommendation, construction on the affordable housing development could begin in late spring 2026, and be ready for occupancy by the end of 2027.
Municipal staff would also be instructed to seek grant funding from upper-levels of government and potential partnerships to offset capital costs.
According to the municipality, there are around 1,250 households in need of affordable housing on the CK’s Centralized Waiting List, which represented an 8.5 percent increase over the last three months. At least 875 of those households on the waiting list are looking for units in Chatham.