County officially opens new housing project in Woodstock

The 52-unit apartment building at 785 Southwood Drive includes 37 affordable one and two-bedroom units and 15 market value options. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Politicians, housing experts, construction officials and residents of a newly opened apartment complex in Woodstock celebrated Monday with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Woodstock.

This new 52 unit residential apartment building at 785 Southwood Drive includes 37 affordable one and two-bedroom units dedicated to supporting seniors, single women, and women with children. Residents began moving in back in October.

Oxford County supported the project through the provision of shovel ready land aligned with the County’s Master Housing Strategy, a $1.4 million capital contribution, and development charge exemptions. The federal and provincial governments jointly contributed $1.92 million to support 19 of the 37 affordable units.

Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan said while helping those in need find subsidized housing, the development also adds necessary market-rate housing.

“This building is helping to keep those at risk of becoming homeless and this building is providing that housing out of that risk.”

While the affordable units are full, the others are not. A Google search shows a market-rate two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit at the property is going for just under $1,900 per month.

Ryan added housing investments are one of the top two priorities for local municipalities, but money from all levels of government needs to flow.

“Without those (funding) buckets, we would not be here today. If we are not willing to make tough budget decisions, then we will not have the great news we have today with these people living in affordable units.”

Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione classified the ribbon cutting as more than just opening a new building.

“We have to work together to solve our housing crisis. Across Woodstock and Oxford County, there are too many individuals and families struggling to find housing that fits their needs and budgets.”

He commended Larry Moore and his team from the Woodstock Non-Profit Housing Corporation for their hard work in making the development possible.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to Director Smith (Oxford’s Director of Human Services) and your team. This takes real action. Yes, we can do things as a council…but you put it into action and address the largest needs first.”

Moore acknowledged the tenants present at the event and added the project was first planned in 2023 and thanked all three levels of government for their support. He also thanked his fellow board members, Sierra Construction (general contractor on the project), and others involved.

Construction on a new Afro-Caribbean Business Network's affordable housing project at 175 Springbank Avenue North in Woodstock started in March. The 45-unit apartment building will offer 23 affordable units, also targeting seniors, single women, and single women with children.