Construction begins on affordable seniors housing project in Tillsonburg
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Tillsonburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation has introduced its newest affordable housing for seniors project.
Located at 31 Victoria St., the project will be owned and operated by Tillsonburg Non-Profit Housing Corp. A former meeting hall – and a new addition on the site – will be converted into 18 one-bedroom units for seniors. All units will be traditional full apartments with kitchen, washroom, living area and separate bedroom.
The corporation owns and operates three buildings in Tillsonburg for a total of 161 units for seniors. The Victoria Street units are expected to be built within 12 months, with move-in dates set for fall 2023.
“I don’t live too far from here, so this is joyous driving past every morning and watching things happening after a short window in development terms,” said Michael Clarkson, the property manager for the housing corporation. “It’s been really rolling fast and hard since we started this project.”
Clarkson thanked participants at the Oct. 11 ‘construction kickoff ceremony’ for making the project possible.
“Everyone here played a role from acquisition of this property, through to the town with their assistance in rezoning and minor variances. Everybody from the town, from planning, council, the mayor’s office has been 100 per cent supportive of this project.”
Clarkson also thanked Rebecca Smith, manager of Housing Development, Oxford County.
“The timing of Rebecca’s assistance, making us aware of funding opportunities – basically this project wouldn’t be happening without it, at least not to the scale it’s happening,” said Clarkson.
“Thank you to everybody, I just want to share the County’s appreciation to everyone in this partnership,” said Smith, “and Tillsonburg Non-Profit for your dedication and really focusing on affordable units in Tillsonburg.”
Smith noted the project received about $1.7 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments.
Ron Gasparetto, the housing corporation’s board chair, also thanked the board for their efforts.
“We’re a small board, but we do great things,” said Gasparetto. “We keep building units and reinvesting in Tillsonburg. It seems every couple of years we’re doing a project, which is very exciting. Our waiting list is very long, so for us to keep creating affordable housing for seniors is our goal.
“Without the work of our great board, the county, the town, the province … it certainly takes a village.”
“Tillsonburg Non-Profit Housing is a very positive board,” said Mayor Stephen Molnar. “The experience, the knowledge that they bring, and the inclusion of residents in the decision-making process, has always been a factor of pro-active contribution.
“This was a competitive bid,” said Molnar, noting that after appropriate public engagement, the zoning change was approved by Tillsonburg council.
Council’s zoning change and approval of the project, with Smith’s support, was a significant aspect of the Victoria Street project being chosen in Oxford County to receive the funding, said Molnar.
“Working together as partners, following the public planning process, ensuring that we’re working together as allies will create these 18 units,” said Molnar. “It’s a sunny day and the sun will shine on your organization and will shine on the residents who have the opportunity to have a roof over their head and safety within our community.”
“It really starts at the board level, but we don’t do this without partnerships at the town level, the county level and the provincial and federal governments,” said Coun. Chris Parker, a member of the corporation’s board of directors. “It’s teamwork that builds stuff like this and as we continue to have future opportunities, I think that there’s more ability for more collaboration between all of our organizations. I think it’s a positive movement and we can keep continuing to do that.”
cabbott@postmedia.com
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