Chatham-Kent will get a report at tonight’s council meeting on future possible areas that could be developed by not-for-profits or individuals to address a huge need for housing locally.
The housing department report features a progress report on both current and possible future affordable housing projects.
With the Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre moving from Lark Street to a new building on McNaughton Avenue West, the area around the courthouse is seen as potentially a good spot for housing development. The municipality owns not only the Children’s Treatment Centre property, but also vacant land around the courthouse. The report points out that re-development of Courthouse Lane is needed to remove development constraints in the area.
Other potential areas that are pointed out for possible housing include vacant surplus schools in Chatham.
The report also outlines housing grants that Chatham-Kent has applied for from the federal government, as well as affordable housing projects that were recently completed as well as current affordable housing builds under construction in the municipality.
The three affordable housing projects currently under construction will provide 66 units to the community. A combination of provincial, federal and municipal funding and grants provided the money for $24 million in developments.