Good newsfor Delhi affordablehousing project

Michael Columbus, Ward 3 Councillor.

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

Councillors have fulfilled their half of a debt financing agreement for a proposed affordable housing project in Delhi, one of the final steps before construction can begin.

The county also received welcome news in the report seeking council support presented at the Jan. 27 meeting. In an earlier report, councillors approved up to $1 million in financial reimbursement to the Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation “of the building permit fees and an ongoing property tax subsidy (amount to be determined upon MPAC assessment), for the affordable and rent-geared to income units.”

However, thanks to federal and provincial funding, Norfolk’s contribution will only come out to just over $200,000.

“It’s significantly less than the maximum council had approved,” said Heidy Van Dyk, general manager of corporate services. “This is a very exciting development and planning is well underway.”

As shareholders of the HNHC, both Norfolk and Haldimand councils had to give their support for any plans to enter into a financing agreement, in this case with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The Delhi build includes 15 affordable and 10 rent-geared-to-income units, for a total of 25 units in a three-storey build. There is also an agreement with the Norfolk Association of Community Living to lease the three-bedroom units in the build for its program delivery.

“It’s great news for a great project for the community of Delhi,” said Coun. Michael Columbus, adding the construction could help revitalize that area of town.