Governments give $45M to build apartment for low-income seniors in Oakville

Three levels of government have joined together to help provide more affordable housing for seniors in Oakville.

On Monday morning (Sept. 11), the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the Regional Municipality of Halton announced over $45 million in funding to construct 52 affordable housing units in Oakville.

The Seniors Supportive Housing at 263 Kerr Street will be a mid-rise 4-storey apartment building and will house low-income seniors.

The new apartment building will have three floors of residential units with 52 units in total, including 22 bachelor units and 30 1-bedroom units and ground floor space for a seniors’ community hub.

The project will provide onsite supportive housing programs and services.

“The Seniors Supportive Housing at 263 Kerr Street will bring more affordable and supportive housing to seniors’ citizens in Oakville who need a stable roof over their heads,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “The Government of Canada remains committed to working with our partners to develop and implement solutions for those who need it the most.

“Thanks to this collaborative effort more seniors in Oakville will now have a safe and affordable place they can call home.”

The mid-rise apartment includes universal design elements and will be Halton Region’s first Passive House certified assisted multi-residential building.

“The investment announced today is improving affordable housing in our region and is facilitating real change for our priority groups that need it most,” said Anita Anand, Member of Parliament for Oakville, and President of the Treasury Board. “The Seniors Supportive Housing at 263 Kerr Street project is a result of great partnerships, coming together to respond to housing needs in Oakville, ensuring that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home.”
Funding for the new seniors’ building includes $9 million through the federal government’s third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative’s (RHI) Cities Stream.

The federal and Ontario Ontario governments are jointly investing nearly $12 million through the Canada – Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI); an initiative of the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy, while the Regional Municipality of Halton has provided over $24 million in funding.

Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2024.

“As Mayor of Oakville and as a Halton Regional Councillor, I take great pride in the substantial commitment made by Halton Region, covering over 50 per cent of the funding for the 52 vital affordable housing units we are announcing today,” said Rob Burton. “Canadians expect all levels of government to work together and deliver equitable financial support.

“By ensuring equal contributions from each level of government, we can increase our collective impact and address the pressing need for more affordable housing.”

The Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) will provide more than $82 billion in funding over 10 years to help build homes for Canadians.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the quality of housing for seniors in Oakville, to improve their lifestyle and well-being within our community,” said Pam Damoff Member of Parliament for Oakville North—Burlington.

“This project will provide much needed housing in the heart of Kerr Village where they can live, shop and play.“