Social housing in York Region will get a much needed addition thanks to the recently approved funding of a new $38.2 million apartment complex in Richmond Hill.
“The problem has become a crisis,” said Vito Spatafora, local and regional councillor for Richmond Hill. “There certainly is a desperate need in the southern end [of York Region] simply because the cost of housing is much more expensive.”
The 140-apartment, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design–certified project will be located at the southeast corner of Major MacKenzie Drive and Essex Avenue and will be a mixture of one- to four-bedroom units.
Additionally, it will feature design considerations for those with disabilities and be in close proximity to public transit. Spatafora, who serves as vice-chair of both the community services and housing committee and York Housing Inc., said that mid-rise building would fit well into the existing community.
“I think it’s terrific news,” agreed Sylvia Patterson, general manager of housing and long-term care for York Region.
“This is the first substantial family housing complex that the region has brought forward.” Patterson said that the ability to establish similar housing opportunities will depend on funding from senior levels of government. There are currently more than 6,500 people on a waiting list for social housing in York Region. With wait times of up to three to five years, Spatafora said the situation is dire.
“It’s not going to get any better,” he said, adding the region is projected to have a population of 1.5 million by 2030. Funding will come from three providers. The Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program will put up just over $16 million, with roughly $12 million from Investing in Ontario. York Region will supply the remaining $9 million. Construction on the building is scheduled to begin this summer.
