The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has selected a consultant to design a community housing development on the west side of Wallaceburg.
Council approved a proposal, in the amount of $118,250, for the “CK Housing Services West Wallaceburg Consultant” be awarded to ROA Studio Inc. of Chatham.
The proposal is for consulting services that will provide a feasibility study, design options, and cost estimates for site servicing, construction, and environmental site remediation, if necessary.
Council also directed staff to authorize the Director, Municipal Housing Development to use Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) SEED funding ‘Contribution Only’ grant monies to fund this consultation.
The recommendations from administration were approved unanimously by Council in the consent agenda portion of the meeting on Monday, November 6, 2023.
“Across the street from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent owned Westcourt Villa Housing property, there is a 4.38 acre vacant parcel of land zoned OS1 and owned by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent,” Beth Earley, program manager for housing services, said in a report.
“This site may be an ideal location for a large affordable/attainable mixed housing development. Westcourt Villa is a family, townhouse set-up with 48 rent-geared-to-income units and two market rent units.”
Earley said on January 16, 2023, Council authorized a Request For Proposal (RFP) to be issued for the work.
“The site is zoned OS1, Official Plan designation is public facility,” Earley said in her report.
“The consultant would determine the feasibility of changing this site to RM2 zoning, which is required for a moderate density residential project, by assessing existing storm sewer, sanitary, and water services abutting this property, as well as possible environmental and heritage considerations involving the land parcel.
Earley added: “The site would require an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment, which the consultant would lead through a public process before seeking Council approval. The consultant would also support site plan approval by providing preliminary design concepts. Estimated project costing will be provided to assist in securing capital funding through grants, municipal reserves and/or debt financing options. Consultants will provide feasibility, conceptual designs, and costing while actively incorporating ‘Net Zero’ environmental and energy efficiency build requirements.”
Read the full report, here.
