Officials recently gathered to break ground on a new affordable housing complex in Cornwall that will provide new housing to dozens of families.

The $18.8-million development at the southwest corner of McConnell Avenue and Ninth Street East will feature 77 residential units as well as a commercial space that will be occupied by the Housing Services Department for the City of Cornwall and SDG Counties.

“We have been in the planning stages of this project for some time and are very excited to see this project moving forward,” said Mellissa Morgan, Administrator, Cornwall SDG Human Services Department.

Construction is now officially underway and the development is expected to be completed in early 2023.

“With the current housing crisis that has hit all parts of our country, housing has become a scarce commodity, particularly affordable housing. We are making a real commitment to increasing the supply of much needed affordable units,” said Cornwall Mayor Glen Grant.

The project is benefitting from a $4.2 million grant from the Social Services Relief Fund and the Ontario Housing Priorities Initiative from the provincial government.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that local communities are able to deliver critical services and resources that will help those residents who need it most,” said Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell.

The site was identified as a priority location in a recent Housing Revitalization Plan, which recommends broadening the definition of affordable housing with the objective of creating healthy, sustainable communities.

“Housing affordability and supply are critical issues in communities across Canada, including our own,” said Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MP Eric Duncan. “It’s important for all levels of government to collaborate and invest in projects such as this.”

IBI Group is providing the architecture services for the development, while Bourgon Construction is the general contractor.

“IBI Group is excited to be part of this much-needed 77-unit, energy-efficient housing project added to the Cornwall community. We have enjoyed the close collaboration with Cornwall & Area Housing Corporation, the City of Cornwall, consultants and the chosen contractor enabling the speedy start to the construction,” said Chun Wang, Architect with IBI Group. “We look forward to the project occupancy as soon as possible.”

About Social and Housing Services
The Social and Housing Services Department of the City of Cornwall delivers programs and services to residents in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry. Programs include rent-geared-to-income, homelessness prevention, domiciliary program, and Ontario Renovates.

For more information on Social and Housing Services, please click here.