The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has reached an agreement to purchase the former St. Ursula Catholic School property on Lacroix Street in Chatham, securing more than 4.4 acres of centrally located land for future affordable and attainable housing development.
The municipality will acquire the 426 Lacroix Street site from the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for $1,699,999. The cost will be covered entirely through the municipality’s Affordable Housing Reserve using funds received from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Accelerator Fund.
The agreement is conditional on approval from the St. Clair Catholic District School Board’s trustees, who are scheduled to vote at a special meeting on November 25, 2025.
“This acquisition positions Chatham-Kent to take real, concrete steps toward expanding our supply of affordable housing,” Mayor Darrin Canniff said. “Having shovel-ready sites is essential as we compete for federal and provincial funding opportunities. This investment allows us to move forward with purpose and urgency.”
The school building, which is vacant, will be demolished. The municipality will issue a tender for demolition and site preparation work, funded through the Affordable Housing Reserve. The property will be maintained at an estimated annual cost of $5,000 until redevelopment begins.
“With over four acres available in a highly accessible location, this site provides a significant opportunity to address local housing needs,” said Ray Harper, director of municipal housing and property development. “We’ve already heard strong interest from both non-profit and private housing providers.”
The municipality will issue a Request for Expression of Interest to invite proposals for redeveloping the site into new housing. Administration will evaluate submissions and bring recommendations to council. Officials say residents will be kept informed as plans progress through the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent platform and direct updates to nearby property owners.
