SUDBURY -- The federal government is partnering with Greater Sudbury to redevelop a former RCMP detachment into affordable housing.
On Monday, Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre and Mayor Brian Bigger announced the feds are providing $566,400 for the acquisition of 1310 Sparks St. in Sudbury. The city will build a small community housing building with up to 14 affordable housing units.
In a news release, the federal government said the development will be built to passive house specifications, maximizing the building’s energy efficiency to consume up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy than traditional builds.
The initiative funded through the Federal Lands Initiative, a $200 million fund that supports the transfer of surplus federal lands and buildings to be used as affordable housing.
“The RCMP detachment at 1310 Sparks St. served our Sudbury community for many years," Lefebvre said in the release. "It is a proud day to know the site will continue to do so by providing more homes to residents in Sudbury that meets their needs and they can afford. More affordable housing is needed, and our government is proud to help provide it.”
“Community housing waitlists in Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury continue to be too long," said Nickel Belt MP Marc Serre. "We must ensure that low-income individuals can access the housing they need and deserve as this will directly impact their ability to foster broader social and economic success for their future."
Bigger said city council is committed to increasing access to safe, accessible and affordable housing for residents in Greater Sudbury.
"I am proud to be partnering with the federal government on this project and will continue to advocate for and work hard to develop more affordable housing opportunities in Greater Sudbury," he said.
The site of the former RCMP detachment will be redeveloped into 14 units of affordable housing for tenants on the social housing waitlist
Rents will be maintained at a level of at least 50 per cent of median market rent for the City of Greater Sudbury for a minimum of 55 years. Median market rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Greater Sudbury as of October 2019 was $1,000 per month.
To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.
