Cobourg affordable-housing options expand
By Cecilia Nasmith
The affordable-housing project in Cobourg at 86 Munroe St. has had its grand opening, offering seniors and individuals with disabilities access to 31 new affordable homes in close proximity to public transit, grocery and retail amenities.
The newly completed building includes 27 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom ones (out of which five are accessible units) as well as a shared amenity room and a laundry facility. Apartments rent for about 80% of the market rent in Northumberland County.
The $5-million-plus affordable-housing project results from a shared commitment among Affordable Housing Solutions Corporation,Northumberland County Housing and Northumberland County Community and Social Services, Gay Company Limited, Town of Cobourg, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The grand opening featured Affordable Housing Solutions Corporation CEO Josef Ger, who noted that housing is becoming increasingly out of reach for seniors – especially those on fixed incomes.
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, and I am elated that we were able to work together to provide qualified Cobourg seniors a new residence they can afford,” Ger said in the press release.
Through its Retirement Life Communities Group, the announcement added, Affordable Housing Soutions Corporation has been involved in two previous Cobourg projects that support seniors and those with disabilities in achieving independence through access to the appropriate housing. Retirement communities at Palisade Gardens (built in 2009) and James Club (built in 2016) already house 175 seniors.
Cobourg Mayor John Henderson said the need for the Munroe Street project can be gauged by the fact that there were more than 100 applications for these units.
“We're delighted to have satisfied the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the Cobourg community, and look forward to partnering on more affordable housing projects,” Henderson said.
Looking ahead, Cobourg council has since announced a Sept. 30 public meeting at 5 p.m. to gather feedback on a proposal to amend two bylaws – the Building and Planning Fees Bylaw and the Parkland Dedication Bylaw.
The announcement said that the meeting – to be held in council chambers on the third floor east at Victoria Hall – will enable council to offer relief to affordable-housing projects in accordance with an April council motion regarding the Affordable Housing Financial Support Policy and Strategy.
Additional information on the subject, including a staff report, will be available on the public meeting agenda to be posted on the Civic Web site Sept. 27.
Questions can be directed to director of planning and development Glenn McGlashon at gmcglashon@cobourg.ca or 905-372-1005.
