County of Brant announces plans for 35-unit affordable seniors’ housing development in St. George
Paris Independent Staff
County to contribute land and $950,000 toward construction of its first co-operative housing complex
A new affordable housing development in St. George will bring 35 residential units for seniors to the community through a partnership between the County of Brant and the Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Federation (COCHF).
The development, planned for 50 High Street behind the existing Russell Heights seniors’ housing complex, will mark the first co-operative housing complex in the County of Brant.
The County will provide the land for the project, along with a $950,000 contribution toward construction costs. COCHF will serve as both the developer and operator of the housing complex.
“I am incredibly proud to be part of this announcement for the County of Brant in the Village of St. George,” said County of Brant Mayor David Bailey. “As I near the end of my term as Mayor, knowing that this project is proceeding and will provide important affordable housing opportunities to support seniors in our community brings me great joy.”
The project builds on previous efforts to expand affordable seniors’ housing at the Russell Heights property.
In 2021, the County sought public input on a potential second phase of development at the site. However, those plans were put on hold following an unsuccessful funding application. The County continued exploring opportunities to increase affordable housing options, ultimately leading to the new partnership with COCHF.
The proposed building will include 35 residential units and features designed to support seniors as they age, including an elevator. It will also be constructed to meet Tier 3 environmental standards under the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020.
According to the County, the building’s exterior will complement the existing Russell Heights residence, while landscaping will be designed to create an environmentally sensitive and functional outdoor space for residents.
The development also aligns with the Brantford-Brant Housing Master Plan and the Mayors’ Housing Partnerships Task Force Affordable Housing Action Plan. Those plans identified a need for 337 additional non-profit and co-operative housing units across Brantford-Brant by 2031.
“Establishing new co-op housing for Seniors in the County of Brant not only meets the need for affordable housing but also, by establishing the first housing co-op in Brant, brings a successful housing model which provides resident input and democratic control in the running of the housing,” said Elana Harte, Executive Director of Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Federation.
Unlike traditional rental housing, co-operative housing operates under a model in which residents are members of the co-operative and have a voice in decisions affecting their housing community.
COCHF has supported non-profit housing co-operatives since 1992 and currently works with 42 member organizations across Brantford-Brant, Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener and Waterloo, representing approximately 3,000 co-operative housing units.
Residents had an opportunity to learn more about the St. George development during a community information open house held Oct. 19 at Gaukel Memorial Community Centre. The drop-in event was organized to share information about the proposed construction timeline, development considerations and the co-operative housing model, with County staff and COCHF representatives available to answer questions.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, with occupancy anticipated by fall 2028. The County cautions that timelines remain subject to change as planning and project details are finalized.
Residents can follow project updates and find additional information at EngageBrant.ca/HighStreet
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