City to expedite access to affordable housing in downtown core

BRANTFORD, ON: In the past several years the demand for affordable housing options in Ontario and in Brantford specifically has outpaced availability, resulting in lower vacancy rates and higher housing costs. Recognizing that it is increasingly difficult for potential home buyers and renters to find suitable options, the City is implementing new strategies to increase and expedite our affordable housing inventory. 

Consistent with direction provided by the Mayors’ Housing Partnership Task Force Action Plan, the City has moved swiftly to expedite access to more affordable housing options such as the now completed Compact, Affordable, Sustainable and Efficient (CASE) Home modular build at Stinson and Stirton Ave and the new 26 unit modular affordable housing development on City owned land currently under construction at 177 Colborne Street West – both developments are examples of faster ways to build than traditional buildings and in many cases are also more cost efficient.

Purchase of Lucy Marco Place – 36-40 Queen Street

Earlier this year, the City engaged Wilfrid Laurier University Brantford campus to discuss plans for the ongoing use of Lucy Marco Place that previously housed students. Consistent with their strategic plan, Laurier Brantford is in the process of implementing a growth plan to expand and restructure some of their existing space and as such Lucy Marco Place is no longer required for residence purposes. Seizing the opportunity to provide housing to those on the City’s housing waiting list sooner than later, in July 2022, Brantford City Council directed staff to purchase the building at 36- 40 Queen Street, funded from the issuance of growth-related debentures and from the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve. The purchase was completed on Oct. 31, 2022.

Minimum of 28 units to be made available to individuals on affordable housing waiting list

The intended use of the building is to house individuals on the affordable housing waitlist. This housing is not intended to be an Emergency Shelter, but rather more permanent and stable housing with supports.

Having the building occupied by residents who will be in the units on a more permanent basis than students will help reenergize the downtown year-round.

To date, the City has also completed an Expression of Interest (EOI) analysis and are currently in discussions with various community partners regarding supports that will be provided and how individuals on the affordable housing waitlist will acquire access to the units that will be made available.

The City is also exploring options to retrofit the current 28 spaces to expand the number of units.

A report from Housing staff outlining a progress update detailing the individuals on the waitlists that will be eligible to access the units, the community partnerships and supports that will be available, and the options to expand the number of units will be shared in the new term of Brantford City Council in the coming months.

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Media Contact: 


Maria Visocchi Director, Communications, Community Engagement and Customer Service City of Brantford | Office: 519.759.4150 Ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca

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