LITTLE CURRENT—Hot on the heels of opening a new seniors’ housing complex on Park Street, located just above Low Island Park, the Manitoulin Sudbury District Services Board (DSB) has increased its housing stock by eight apartments on the Island—closing the deal on two four-plex apartment blocks located at 33 and 35 Draper Street on November 30.
“The building is currently occupied by all seniors,” confirmed DSB CAO Donna Stewart, who added that she was “really impressed” by the condition of the two identical buildings and rear garage. “The properties all have really nice backyards,” she added. The recently built apartment complexes are well-appointed, with each of the eight apartments being two-bedroom units and currently come complete with appliances.
DSB is committed to doing everything within its power to address the severe housing challenges in each of the communities in its catchment area, but she also noted that DSB is acutely aware that community housing is 100 percent on the municipal tax levy and is doubly cautious. “This has been a topic of discussion for the board for months,” said Ms. Stewart, pointing out that the purchase and buildings were thoroughly researched by DSB staff.
Although not at liberty to reveal the total cost of the building acquisitions discussed by the board in camera, Ms. Stewart did assure The Expositor that the cost of buying the buildings was far below the cost of building new. Part of the purchase was covered through the DSB capital reserves and part through a mortgage arrangement with the TD Bank.
While currently all being occupied by seniors, Ms. Stewart noted that going forward occupancy will be determined by need as determined by the DSB’s housing lists.
DSB is currently engaged in an affordable multi-residential housing project in Espanola on a Queensway property following a “scope of project” with Bélanger Salach Architecture and Housing Services Corporation staff. In an October 19 meeting motion, DSB directed the CAO “to continue moving forward with the tender, design costs and contractor prequalification portion of the work required for the new Supportive Community Housing Build in the Town of Espanola” and that “the CAO utilize the required funds from the Homeless Prevention Program to move forward with the tender portion of the work.” The board motion also required the CAO to return to the Board for a decision once tenders for that project have been reviewed and analysed.
