Zoning for proposed affordable housing buildapproved by council, occupancy late 2026

Michael Columbus, Ward 3 Councillor.

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

Move paves the way for HNHC plan for 25-unit apartment

An apartment building that will include 10 rent-geared-to-income units is one step closer to reality.

Norfolk councillors approved a zoning bylaw amendment request by the Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation for a property on Gibralter Street near Ewell Street in Delhi. The amendment paves the way for the three-storey, 25-unit build.

“This is a long-awaited development project, it was at one time talked about as being 16 units, and now we’ve got 25 units,” said Ward 3 Coun. Michael Columbus.

The increase in unit total not only helps increase the number of affordable housing units in Norfolk, but it also reduces the cost to the municipality, explained supervisor of financial planning and reporting Amy Vesprini. Originally, the county was expected to provide $5 million to the project.

“However, the increased rental revenue due to the increased units has actually reduced the capital project contribution needed from the county to $1 million,” she said.

The project also now includes a new partner in the Norfolk Association for Community Living

Occupancy for the build could be as early as late 2026, though a staff report updating councillors on the project said, “this aggressive timeline requires funding approvals from Norfolk County council, and applications for grants and funding to be completed and approved by end of September 2025.”

With the new NACL partnership, the plan includes two, three-bedroom accessible apartments that can provide housing for six adults.

“Working with community partners allows the project to have long-term support towards sustainability and encourages thoughtful innovation into future projects,” the report said.