It’s been a week of positive housing news for St. Thomas.
The latest boost came yesterday (Thursday) in the form of $3 million from the province to help build 20 supportive housing units. The funds will support vulnerable individuals at risk of, or experiencing homelessness through housing in the four-storey apartment building under construction at 16 Queen Street, to be operated by Indwell Community Homes.
Mayor Joe Preston says the funding will allow the city to move forward with additional supportive housing projects.
On Wednesday, Fast Forward Ventures of London unveiled their plans for a 162-unit, 14-storey apartment building to be located at First Avenue and Talbot Street.
Thanks to the partnership with Indwell Community Homes – a Christian charity that provides high-quality affordable supportive housing – the City of St. Thomas is developing local solutions to homelessness, explains Preston.
Indwell is the operator of Railway City Lofts, with 15 micro-apartments on the second floor of the transit building at 614 Talbot Street.
Heather Sheridan, Director of St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services adds, “Working in partnership with service providers like Indwell helps to create new and exciting housing options.”
The total cost of Phase 2 of the social services and housing hub evolving in the city’s west end is estimated at $13 million with Indwell responsible for the construction and operation of the facility as the owner.
It will include the city’s third fire hall which will not be required for another three to five years. A multi-year lease will need to be negotiated with Indwell as the owner of the land for use of the space for the fire hall.
Written by Ian McCallum
