Affordable housing projects get $10 million cash infusion in Ajax, Uxbridge and Whitby

Durham Region is set to spend $10.25 million on three affordable housing projects in Ajax, Uxbridge and Whitby.

The Region announced the cash infusion on April 25. They’re set to spend $5 million on 78 affordable units in Ajax, $2.75 million for 25 units at Kindred Works in Uxbridge and $2.5 million for 18 units from Whitby co-op Otter Creek.

Ledim Developments, a locally-based developer behind several projects in the town and the region, spearheads the Ajax development. They’re planning a 25-storey tower at 310 Kingston Road East. Currently, the lot is home to a single house which once hosted Cane Corso dog breeders.

“This project will provide a range of rental housing options in a transit-oriented development,” the region described, “Nearly half of all units in this building are designed to accommodate people using mobility devices, such as a wheelchair.”

The bottom two levels of the tower will be a wider base set to contain commercial space. The project is expected to be complete by 2027 at the latest.

Proposed 310 Kingston Rd. E. development Ledim Developments.

Meanwhile, Kindred Works is behind the Uxbridge development. They’ve developed several buildings across the GTA, including Mississauga, Pickering and Toronto.

The United Church of Canada founded the developer to upgrade church properties into affordable housing units. Their Pickering development for example aims to add 33 stacked townhouses and eight townhouses around the Dunbarton-Fairport United Church. This church was built in 1877 and once complete will be the centre of the townhouse complex.

This development aims to add 41 units with eight two-storey townhouses and 33 three-storey walk-ups and is currently early in the development process.

A rendering of the Uxbridge development courtesy of Kindred Works.

For the Uxbridge site, Kindred Works will add 105 new rental homes in two six-storey apartment buildings along Main Street North, just outside the historic downtown and close to many amenities. A new pedestrian pathway will connect Main Street and First Avenue.   

“This site will be designed to have 20 per cent of the units be barrier-free. Additionally, the site will offer up to 30 per cent of units at below market rents inclusively available to all who qualify, including groups who have historically been denied access to housing including Indigenous Peoples, the 2SLGBTQI+ community, recent immigrants, and persons with disabilities,” according to Kindred Works. 

Construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2024, pending financing approval from Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation related to the National Housing Strategy.

“Kindred Works develops and manages purpose-built rental housing that is beautiful, low carbon, and desirable to live in. Our projects are responsible investments and contribute to livable cities, creating long-term stable returns for our investors and lasting benefits to the communities in which we work,” Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Jane Taber told Insauga.

“Repurposing underused urban sites and with multiple developments in cities across Canada allows Kindred Works to scale our work and include systems-based thinking, smart technology, innovation, and continuous learning to enhance the projects we build,” she continued.

Finally, the Region is sending cash to Otter Creek Inc. to build an 18 unit building at 835 McQuay Blvd. The area is already the home base of the Otter Creek Co-Operative Housing townhouse complex and represents and expansion of the site.

The Co-op opened in 1993 as part of Ontario Ministry Of Housing non-profit housing program. Is managed by it’s own residents who vote on matters related to maintence and expenses. It sits in a quiet residential neighbourhood near Lynde Park. However, the place is currently full up and no vacancies are expected for up to five years.

“There is an urgent need for affordable rental housing, and this $10.25 million commitment through the At Home Incentive Program will provide quality affordable rental housing to Durham Region residents,” said Regional Chair John Henry, “The Region of Durham is committed to working with private and public sector partners to create more affordable rental housing, helping to improve housing choice, affordability and sustainability in our community.”