Huron County, Ontario – The County of Huron is currently in the construction phase of developing two triplexes on Bennett Street, in Goderich. These triplexes are an example of “Missing Middle” housing.
Missing Middle housing refers to housing options in the middle of the housing spectrum. This range of housing options can include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, rowhouses, and similar forms of housing. In the past, County-owned housing has been primarily either apartment buildings or single detached dwellings.
The units are being developed after a fire damaged a single-detached home on the property in 2020. This event provided an opportunity to redevelop the site and the neighbouring property at a higher density. The six new one-bedroom units are smaller in size than the previous single-detached homes. This means the units better align with the current need for housing in Goderich, which is for more for single bedroom units.
“When an opportunity presented itself to reconsider the type of housing options the County provides, staff took advantage and maximized the effectiveness of the rebuild to meet current and future needs,” said Huron County Warden Glen McNeil. “The new triplexes will be a beautiful addition to the neighbourhood and every extra unit we can provide is a step in the right direction.”
Designed by Allan Avis Architects of Goderich, the new triplexes feature a prominent front entrance to one unit, a side entrance to the second unit, and a rear entrance for the third. Being corner buildings, care was taken to incorporate a wrap-around porch, creating visual interest and providing a high-quality outdoor space for tenants. The ground floor units feature accessible entrances and enhanced accessibility features in the bathroom and kitchen.
This development is an example of ‘gentle density’, in that the design fits the scale of the established neighbourhood while providing multiple dwelling units. The County recently developed a Residential Intensification Guideline to help ensure new developments fit into existing neighbourhoods and these new triplexes adhere to those guidelines. By providing a variety of different types of dwelling units, the County of Huron can diversify the housing choices available in its inventory to better meet the diverse needs of the community.
Learn more about the Bennett Street Triplexes: www.connectedcountyofhuron.ca/developing-more-affordable-homes-in-huron
Learn more about County of Huron housing: www.HuronCounty.ca/housing