More than $6.7 million in combined federal and provincial funding will support the construction of 50 new affordable housing units as part of a larger 72-unit mixed-income development in Wallaceburg.
The funding, provided through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, will help transform a vacant municipally owned property at 199 Westcourt Blvd. into an intergenerational housing community.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site in Wallaceburg on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
The development will include 50 affordable units supported through the two housing programs, along with 22 market-rate units. Officials said the project is designed to serve residents of all ages by offering a range of unit sizes that will allow families and seniors to remain in the community while encouraging connections across generations.
The building will feature fully accessible common areas, with 20 per cent of the units designed to be accessible. It will also exceed energy-efficiency standards, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while being located near public transit, parkland, grocery stores and other amenities.
The announcement was made by Matthew Rae, parliamentary assistant to Ontario’s minister of municipal affairs and housing, alongside Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault and Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff.
“Our Government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to housing need. This project will provide more safe, affordable homes for the residents of Wallaceburg. It’s also another step forward in building an economy that serves everyone,” said Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong MP Marilyn Gladu.
Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack said the project reflects collaboration between governments to address local housing needs.
“Our government will continue protecting Ontario by working with partners at all levels to advance practical solutions, tailored to local needs. The 50 units supported through COCHI and OPHI will make a substantial difference in the lives of residents once complete, and we look forward to creating the conditions for more success stories like this to take place,” Flack said.
Rae said the investment marks a significant milestone for the community.
“Together with our federal and municipal partners, we are delivering Wallaceburg’s first new community housing project in decades. This investment will help create new homes, support local priorities, and ensure more families have access to safe, affordable housing. Our government will continue to protect Ontario by strengthening communities and creating more affordable housing opportunities where they are needed most,” he said.
Pinsonneault said the project will help meet the community’s growing housing needs.
“Our government is increasing the supply of housing and ensuring more Ontarians have access to a safe, affordable place to call home. This investment is an important step forward for Wallaceburg, helping strengthen the community, support local growth, and create new opportunities for residents and families for years to come. I’m proud to see this project moving forward and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the community,” he said.
Canniff said the development will revitalize a vacant municipal property while creating more housing options.
“This investment is about more than building homes, it’s about building a stronger future for Wallaceburg and Chatham-Kent. By transforming this vacant municipal property into a vibrant mixed-income neighbourhood, we’re creating more affordable housing opportunities for families, seniors, and individuals while supporting a healthy, connected community. Thank you to the Governments of Canada and Ontario for partnering with us to help address one of our community’s greatest priorities. Together, we’re creating more housing options and ensuring more residents have a place they can proudly call home,” Canniff said.
The announcement is part of broader federal and provincial efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing, with the federal government also advancing its Build Canada Homes initiative to support the construction of affordable, transitional and community housing across the country.
