Affordable housing fast-tracked for Caldwells and The Bridge

WINDSOR — About 61 new affordable dwelling units are being fasttracked for development across Windsor-Essex, with eight units being located at The Bridge Youth Resource Centre in Leamington and another 26 units being developed by Caldwell First Nation.

Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion — the Honourable Ahmed Hussen — made the announcement in Windsor on Thursday, March 17, alongside Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk, Essex County Warden Gary Mc- Namara, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Leamington Mayor Hilda Mac- Donald and Caldwell First Nation Chief Mary Duckworth.

Hussen announced nearly $20 million in federal funding to create the 61 new affordable homes for individuals and families through the Rapid Housing Initiative. The units will support Canadians who are in uncertain housing situations.

The Bridge Youth Resource Centre will have eight such units for young adults, women, Indigenous people and black Canadians.

A second project operated by Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (WECHC), will have 15 units and be located on Crawford Street in Windsor. The third project, also operated by WECHC, will be on Bloomfield in Windsor where there will be 12 units.

The Caldwell First Nation will build 26 units for members of theCaldwell First Nation consisting of a mix of townhomes and fourplexes.

“I have gratitude as Caldwell First Nation was included in this initiative and now can begin to build energy efficient sustainable housing for our citizens and future generations,” said Mary Duckworth. “Caldwell First Nation is in the process of creating an urban First Nation within the boundaries of the Municipality of Leamington. Our citizens now have the opportunity to reside in safe and energy efficient sustainable homes.”

Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald said she’s well aware of the need for affordable housing in the municipality and is grateful for The Bridge Youth Centre.

“The Municipality of Leamington is always appreciative of funding that improves the quality of life for its residents,” she said. “The Bridge Youth Resource Centre has been a tremendous resource for vulnerable young people in our community since they opened their doors. Providing monies for valuable assets in Canadian communities is money well spent.”

The Bridge project is expected to be substantially complete by this summer, while the Caldwell project is expected to be complete by the end of summer.