The Municipality of Chatham-Kent purchased some land to build more affordable and supportive housing.
At Monday's meeting, councillors approved the purchase of 398 Park Street in Chatham for $290,000, 406 Park Street in Chatham for $210,000, and 410 Park Street in Chatham for $300,000.
A staff report stated the structures on those sites would then be demolished, at an estimated cost of less than $150,000, to get the sites ready for future developments and to reduce operating costs and liabilities.
Administration said the entire $950,000 price tag would be funded from the Affordable Housing Reserve through funds received from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund.
"The location and the size of these properties would provide significant advantages by combining to the redevelopment of the Park Avenue/Park Street property to address constraints such as stormwater management, excess soils and parking. These properties could also provide a potential 3rd phase of housing development or Transitional Housing program expansion opportunities," wrote staff in the report that went before Council on Monday evening.
The motion was passed 17 to zero, with Councillor Michael Bondy not casting a vote.
Council also approved the acquisition of the former John N. Given School at 92 Churchill Street in Chatham for $1.625 million, to be funded from reserves.
Portions of the 6.2 acre site would be considered for future affordable housing projects and recreational uses.
"This property would be an ideal location to develop an affordable family housing build. Administration suggests potentially developing a family affordable housing development at this location consisting of a combination of both affordable and attainable market rent units. Additional options such as Youth Affordable Housing would also be reviewed and evaluated," staff said.
Administration noted a feasibility analysis and development plan would be done for affordable housing, along with potential community services and recreation options, with recommendations coming to Council at a later date.
Councillor Bondy and Councillor Rhonda Jubenville were the only two councillors who did not support the motion. They noted that council had an expensive evening with the approval of the Community Hubs construction, and that land has been purchased recently, but nothing has happened with them so far.
Staff said the property would need federal and provincial grants and/or a debenture funded in future budgets.
Administration recommends that the property remain a childcare facility for now.
