In what’s described as an ‘unprecedented regional effort’, Northern Ontario communities are joining forces to create 609 new affordable homes.
The Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) says its members have pooled resources to create the first phase of a new housing pipeline to tackle one of the region’s most pressing municipal priorities.
Early work has been done on projects in 10 communities.
They include North Bay and Verner.
Officials say sites are being prepared and designs completed, with other pre-construction activities being finalized.
They say projects will require final approval by local District Social Services Administration Boards and confirmation of necessary funding construction can begin.
“We’re nearing the finish line on a remarkable effort that will help tackle a top municipal issue across Northern Ontario,” said Fern Dominelli, Executive Director of NOSDA. “Instead of communities trying to solve the same problem independently, Northern Ontario has come together. We’ve pooled our projects, our expertise and our resources to create the scale needed to get housing built.”
NOSDA says it’s working closely with other governments to ensure these homes are built.
The hope is to have them construction ready for next year.
A planned second phase with homes in additional communities is about the same size, bringing the total pipeline to 1,200 housing units.
