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Housing update, March 2018

Housing update, March 2018

Housing update, March 2018

Housing update, March 2018

Monday, March 19 was was a productive Council meeting. We received updates on new funding for public transit, approved the water and wastewater budget and got a positive economic update. We are making progress on our strategic plan. More importantly, on Monday night, Council approved new funding for affordable housing.

City Council agreed to eliminate property taxes on Niagara Regional Housing buildings. The idea is that instead of paying property taxes, more dollars can go directly towards creating more affordable housing. At current value, that is almost $1 million more per year for affordable housing in St. Catharines. This is a big step and a big investment. This funding will help NRH build more units like the new building under construction on Carlton St. This project is on target for tenants to move into 85 new apartments at the end of the year. See the construction progress in the photos below.

Housing is one of the most pressing issues facing our city. With more than 5,000 families and 10,000 people on the waitlist for housing, the need couldn’t be more urgent. It is critical that Council take a leadership role to tackle this challenge – and I’m very pleased that we are doing so.

This investment is the latest way that St. Catharines City Council is investing in affordable housing. In June Council approved the Housing Action Plan with new tools and incentives for affordable housing. The City is also supporting a public-private partnership which is building a new apartment building on Church St. downtown.

There is much more work to be done. If you are a landlord, a property owner or developer interested in building decent, quality, affordable housing for residents in our community, please reach out. There are tools, incentives and opportunities to work together as we continue to build our city and our future.

Read more about this in the St. Catharines Standard 

Niagara Regional Housing Carlton St. construction

Construction of the new affordable housing apartment building on Carlton St. is on target for tenants to move in at the end of the year.

Niagara Regional Housing Carlton St. construction