Huron County, Ontario – The County of Huron is taking action to address the need for more affordable housing units locally. Huron County Council has approved a development project for a 39-unit apartment to be located on Gibbons Street, in Goderich. This development will fill a much-needed gap in Huron County’s housing inventory. It will offer a range of one-bedroom units including affordable, rent-geared-to-income (RGI), and supported units.
“It takes an entire community, including multiple levels of government and many stakeholders, to create a welcoming atmosphere for the type of supported and affordable housing we need in Huron,” said Huron County Warden, Glen McNeil. “This development represents a collaborative effort that will make a meaningful difference in our community.”
About the Development
The 39-unit apartment building will include 10 supported units, as well as 29 rent-geared-to-income (RGI) and/or affordable units.
The initial building design concept was completed by local Architect, Jason Morgan, of Allan Avis Architects and features a four storey brick building which steps down to three storeys along Gibbons Street.
The total capital cost of the building is estimated to be approximately 20.4 million and staff estimate the project will take approximately 24-30 months to complete. County of Huron staff will apply to the Ministry of Health to provide ‘wrap around’ supports to members of the community transitioning from homelessness.
Goderich Town Council, the current owner of the lands, has agreed in principle to transfer a 1.1. acre portion of the lands to the County to support this build. Both Town and County Councils have approved the required planning approvals to permit the development.
“This project directly addresses a critical need for more affordable and supported housing in our community,” Said Town of Goderich Mayor, Myles Murdock. “Goderich Town Council is pleased to see this project moving forward.”
Quick Facts
- Rent-geared-to-income (RGI) refers to subsidized rental units where the tenant pays rent based on their income level.
- Affordable housing is rental housing or home ownership that costs less than 30% of a household’s gross income (before tax).
- Supported housing focuses on on-site supports and community integration where residents receive year-round, wrap-around supports and services.
- The current waitlist for rent-geared to income units in Huron County is 575.
- Currently, the highest need for affordable housing is for one-bedroom units, located in Goderich.
- Read Huron County is a Caring Communityto learn more about why it’s important, and beneficial, to welcome supported and affordable housing developments in your own neighbourhood.
- The 2021 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report can be found at ca/housing
- Learn more about other actions currently underway to address and prevent homelessness in Huron County in the Report to the Community on Homelessness and by visiting HuronCounty.ca/housing
More information
Social and Property Services questions can be directed to:
Christine Hoffman
Housing Services Manager
choffman@huroncounty.ca
519.482.8505 x4254
Planning and Development questions can be directed to:
Denise Van Amersfoort
Manager of Planning
dvanamersfoort@huroncounty.ca
519.524.8394 x3247
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