Port Hope council voted Tuesday night to authorize the mayor and municipal clerk to sign and execute an affordable housing agreement between Wellings and the municipality to secure a minimum of five affordable dwelling units within the approved seniors’ independent living development at 60 Henderson Street.
Director of Development Services Desta McAdam said the agreement would formally secure five affordable units championed by Mayor Olena Hankivsky.
“The very fact that this agreement is being presented this evening represents the mayor and council’s commitment to advocating for more affordable housing options in our community and we are happy to bring it forward today for endorsement,” McAdam said.
Councillor Claire Holloway Wadhwani offered kudos to those who made it happen, including Mayor Hankivsky for leading the negotiations.
“I think this is a really good outcome,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Vicki Mink said she understands “if you lived in the building which I think is the one where these affordable units would be, they include some meals with that. Would these affordable units…would they be transparent as far as who they are or would that exclude them from that opportunity?”
McAdam said she would check with the developer to confirm.
“I haven’t been provided any indication that these units would be treated any differently if that was the arrangement, but that being said we haven’t specifically asked as well.”
The motion was unanimously approved by council members in attendance. Councillors Les Andrews and Darrell Toms were absent.
A report on the development states a four-storey housing development containing 76 seniors independent living units and 36 townhouse dwelling units is approved for 60 Henderson Street and the five affordable units will be within that development.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
